JWST's Golden Mirror Revealed

Here's a view from overhead of the golden James Webb Space Telescope, with its secondary mirror booms stowed. This is the position the secondary mirror will be in during launch. Preparations are being done to rotate the telescope in order to install the flight instrument module behind the primary mirror. JWST's mirrors are covered in a microscopically thin layer of gold, which optimizes them for reflecting infrared light, which is the primary wavelength of light this telescope will observe. Image credit: NASA/Goddard/Chris Gunn NASA image use policy. NASA Goddard Space Flight Center enables NASA’s mission through four scientific endeavors: Earth Science, Heliophysics, Solar System Exploration, and Astrophysics. Goddard plays a leading role in NASA’s accomplishments by contributing compelling scientific knowledge to advance the Agency’s mission. Follow us on Twitter Like us on Facebook Find us on Instagram