James Webb Space Telescope Necklace

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is the most powerful space telescope ever created. It was in development for a quarter century before its successful launch on December 25, 2021. Designed for infrared astronomy, it will be able to peer back to the very beginnings of the universe, to the first stars and galaxies. 

At the center of the JWST is its iconic primary mirror. Made from 18 hexagonal gold-plated beryllium mirror segments, this 6.5 meter mirror provides more than six times the light-gathering area of the Hubble Space Telescope's mirror.

In order to allow the JWST to block incoming heat from the Earth, Moon, and Sun at the same time while also remaining at a constant distance from Earth, it operates in a halo orbit at the L2 Lagrange point. What that means is that the JWST will circle around a particular point in space approximately 1,500,000 km (930,000 mi) beyond Earth's orbit around the Sun.

A Lagrange point is a place in space where the interacting gravity of two massive objects is able to keep a very small object in equilibrium. Lagrange points are great spots for satellites because it doesn't take many course corrections to keep the satellites in place with relationship to Earth.

Our James Webb Space Telescope Necklace is really two designs in one: it shows the world-renowned mirror on one side and an engraving of the Lagrange points on the other.

Here's how to interpret the engraving and find the location of the JWST:

1. Look at the pendant with the chain at the top and imagine the Sun in the center hole.
2. Now find the large black dot on the right side of the pendant -- that's Earth. To the right of the Earth, you'll see a little circle near the rightmost edge of the pendant. That's where the JWST is located, using a halo orbit to circle around the L2 Lagrange point!
3. The dashed circle around the edge of the pendant is the location of the JWST as the Earth circles around the Sun.
4. The other four tiny black dots in different locations on the pendant are the other Lagrange points, known as L1, L3, L4, and L5.

The pendant is made from polished golden steel and comes on a sturdy 18 inch gold-plated chain. It measures 1 inch (~25.5mm) in diameter and is very durable. It will be a reminder of new horizons and space exploration for years to come.

Perfect for:

• Astronomers and space enthusiasts
• Science teachers
• Amateur astronomy buffs
• Night-sky observers
• ...anyone who loves the beauty and majesty of the universe.