The james webb space telescope and its capabilities for exoplanet science

Abstract

The James Webb Space Telescope is a large aperture (6.5 meter), cryogenic space telescope with a suite of near and mid-infrared instruments covering the wavelength range of 0.6 m to 28 m. JWSTs primary science goal is to detect and characterize the first galaxies. It will also study the assembly of galaxies, star formation, and the formation of evolution of planetary systems. JWSTs instrument complement offers numerous capabilities to study the formation and evolution of exoplanets via direct imaging, high contrast coronagraphic imaging and photometric and spectroscopic observations of transiting exoplanets. © International Astronomical Union 2011.