The deep-space observatory needs to stay ultra-cool to do infrared observations of the early universe to keep it safe. However, the observatory still experiences some changes as the angle of the sun shifts upon the sunshade, Smith said. Webb will start the test in a “hot attitude,” representing 0 degrees pitch. It will stay there for five days to stabilize, allowing teams to take measurements from Earth.

Webb does have a five-layer sun shield to keep it protected from the worst of solar radiation fluctuations.

The observatory’s near-infrared camera (NIRCam) will be tested for 24 hours to see if there are any effects on the optics. Then the telescope’s stability will be monitored for 12 hours to see how it performs with the thermal change, Smith said.

The telescope will sit in this freezer mode for about a week to allow the temperatures to stabilize further before slewing once again to a hot attitude. For this second round in the heat, Webb will use both NIRCam and its exemplary guidance sensor to collect stability data.

Overall, the changes should be minimal, but Webb’s exquisite sensitivity to its environment will make this thermal testing essential to get ready for its observational period that is scheduled to start around June.

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Alice Jane
Alice is the Chief Editor with relevant experience of three years, Alice has founded Galaxy Reporters. She has a keen interest in the field of science. She is the pillar behind the in-depth coverages of Science news. She has written several papers and high-level documentation.

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