Webb can observe much longer infrared wavelengths than Hubble, helping it detect faint, distant galaxies whose light has been stretched by cosmic expansion and study regions where dust obscures visible light. Its larger mirror also gathers more light. But Webb does not simply replace Hubble: Hubble observes ultraviolet and visible light that Webb does not, and the two telescopes often reveal different parts of the same target.
What Webb can reveal that Hubble often cannot
Faint galaxies from the early universe
As the universe expands, light from very distant galaxies is stretched to longer, redder wavelengths. Webb is optimized for infrared observations, so it can collect light from some exceptionally distant, faint galaxies that is difficult or impossible to detect in Hubble’s wavelength range. NASA describes Webb as able to probe more than 13.5 billion years of look-back time; that is a look-back time, not a simple distance measured through a static universe. This capability supports research into early galaxies and the first stars, but it does not mean Webb has necessarily seen every first star or galaxy. NASA’s Hubble–Webb comparison explains the difference.
Activity hidden by dust
Dust absorbs and scatters much ultraviolet and visible light, then re-emits energy in infrared. Webb’s longer wavelengths can pass through dusty regions more readily, making it useful for studying embedded star formation and other activity that is dimmed in optical images. Infrared is not a way to see through all dust: what is visible still depends on the wavelength, the amount of dust, the source’s brightness and the observing setup. NASA’s infrared astronomy overview describes why these observations matter.
How their wavelength ranges differ
The key distinction is not that Hubble sees only visible light or that Webb sees only infrared. Hubble covers ultraviolet, visible and some near-infrared light; Webb covers red visible light through near- and mid-infrared. NASA’s Hubble–Webb comparison gives the ranges below. Published NASA summaries round Webb’s upper limit differently, so these figures follow that comparison page.
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- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
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| Telescope | NASA-published wavelength range | What that range contributes |
|---|---|---|
| Hubble | About 0.1–2.5 microns | Ultraviolet, visible and some near-infrared observations |
| Webb | About 0.6–28.5 microns | Red visible through near- and mid-infrared observations |
Because the ranges overlap, the telescopes can observe some of the same targets in different bands. NASA calls Webb an observatory optimized for infrared wavelengths that “complements and extends the discoveries of the Hubble Space Telescope.” See the NASA Webb FAQs for the mission description.
Why Webb collects more light—but is not always sharper
NASA’s Telescope Overview lists collecting areas of 25.37 square meters for Webb and 4.55 square meters for Hubble. Webb’s larger primary mirror therefore gathers substantially more light, an advantage when observing faint sources. Light-gathering area and image sharpness are different measures, however. Angular resolution depends on both aperture and wavelength: longer wavelengths make fine detail harder to resolve for a given mirror size. NASA describes Webb’s near-infrared resolution as comparable to Hubble’s visible-light resolution, not as universally sharper at every wavelength.
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A direct example: the galaxy cluster MACS 0416
NASA’s comparison of the cluster MACS 0416 shows how the observatories can reveal different information in the same region. Some galaxies appear in Webb’s infrared view that are invisible or barely visible in Hubble’s optical view. The images used about 22 hours of Webb exposure and 122 hours of Hubble exposure in this particular comparison. Those exposure times describe this image pair and its observing setup; they are not a general sensitivity ratio between the telescopes. NASA’s MACS 0416 comparison provides the images and context.
What Hubble still contributes
Hubble’s ultraviolet and visible observations provide information that Webb’s infrared instruments cannot supply. Observing a target at different wavelengths can reveal different physical features, so scientists may use one telescope’s view alongside the other’s rather than choose a winner. Their locations and designs also differ: Hubble orbits Earth about 300 miles above it, while Webb orbits the Sun near the second Lagrange point, roughly one million miles from Earth. Webb’s sunshield helps keep the observatory cold, limiting heat that would interfere with infrared observations. NASA outlines these mission differences in its Hubble–Webb comparison.
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Webb’s exoplanet observations are not evidence of life
Webb can study exoplanet atmospheres and other properties of planetary systems, including features relevant to questions about habitability. NASA describes this as investigating planetary properties and possible signs relevant to habitability—not confirming life. Webb can also directly observe some large, nearby planets; that should not be confused with producing detailed photographs of Earth-like worlds. NASA’s Webb FAQs describe these science goals.
Quick Recap
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- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
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