A $4.3 Billion Observatory Reaches the Stars: Infrared Maps of the Milky Way
A controversial project reaches the stars
The $4.3 billion observatory once targeted for cancellation is now complete and poised to transform galactic studies, delivering infrared images and spectra that reveal structure and motion across the Milky Way in unprecedented detail.
What astronomers will do with it
Researchers plan to produce three-dimensional maps of stellar nurseries, dust lanes, and gas flows, enabling time-domain movies of dynamic processes like star formation and feedback, while sensitive instruments trace chemical fingerprints and hidden proto-planetary disks to study planet birth.
Wider scientific and cultural impact
Beyond technical triumphs, the completed telescope promises dramatic discoveries—from early galaxies and exoplanet atmospheres to nearby transient events—while inspiring public interest and reaffirming the value of long-term investment in flagship science missions.
