Can James Webb’s Space Telescope See the Voyager Spacecrafts?

Recent discussions have revolved around the potential for the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) to observe the Voyager spacecrafts. However, the response to this intriguing question is a resounding No. Let's delve into why this is the case and explore the capabilities of the JWST, particularly in relation to other space missions and observations.

The Limitations of the JWST in Observing the Voyager Spacecrafts

The Voyager spacecrafts, which are small, cold, and currently located at the edge of our solar system, are beyond the reach of the JWST. Despite the telescope’s remarkable ability to see galaxies billions of light-years away, the Voyagers are simply too far and too small to be detected.

For example, the JWST can capture the faint light and heat from distant galaxies, which can be hundreds of thousands of light-years across. However, compared to the Voyagers, which are mere pales in comparison, the difference is vast. The Voyagers are about the size of a car and are located at a distance of 12 to 14 billion miles (approximately 18 billion kilometers) away. This means that even the JWST, with its powerful capabilities, cannot resolve such small objects at such a vast distance.

The Nature of JWST and Hubble

The JWST and the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) do share some similarities, such as their ability to capture images in the infrared and visible light spectra. However, their primary strengths lie in observing faint and small objects over extended periods. This is different from their ability to capture detailed images of solar system planets, which are achieved through close-up, up-close observations from spacecraft probes.

The JWST, in particular, excels at capturing heat signatures from planets. For instance, NASA's James Webb Space Telescope has imaged Jupiter’s rings and moons in white-hot infrared. In contrast, the Hubble Space Telescope, while capable of capturing detailed images of planets in the solar system, relies on spacecraft like New Horizons to provide the best images of distant objects like Pluto.

Comparative Imaging Capabilities

When comparing the capabilities of the JWST and Hubble, we can examine the best images they have taken. For instance, the Hubble has taken detailed images of Jupiter, such as the image of Jupiter with its Great Red Spot and other atmospheric features. In contrast, the closest approach of the Juno mission to Jupiter has provided even more detailed images, showcasing the planet's intricate cloud patterns and storms.

Why the JWST Can't Detect the Voyager Spacecrafts

While the Voyagers do emit heat, it is significantly reduced due to their distance from the Sun and the Earth. The JWST is designed to detect large objects emitting a substantial amount of infrared radiation at extreme distances. Distant galaxies, which have weak emission, are well within the JWST's detection range. However, the Voyager spacecrafts, despite being bright in the infrared, are still too small and too dim to be detected by the JWST.

In essence, attempting to view a speck of dust in San Francisco from the Empire State Building is a more apt analogy. The Voyagers are like a dust particle, and the JWST is akin to the observer on the Empire State Building trying to spot it. The physical distances and the size difference make such an observation impossible, even with the most advanced technology.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the James Webb Space Telescope is an extraordinary instrument capable of observing phenomena at extreme distances and in extreme conditions, it cannot detect the Voyager spacecrafts. Space technology continues to push the boundaries of what we can observe, but the extent of its capabilities is limited by the vast distances and size differences involved. The Voyager spacecrafts, while significant in both historical and scientific terms, remain beyond the range of current telescopic observation.