Final answer:
The question addresses advancements in telescope technology for observing faint objects in space, including the construction of the Vera Rubin Observatory, Thirty-Meter Telescope, European ELT, and the launch of the James Webb Space Telescope with its 6.5-meter mirror.
Step-by-step explanation:
The subject in question pertains to the advancements in astronomical telescopes designed to observe faint objects in space. Throughout history, reflecting telescopes have significantly increased in size since the era of Newton. In 1948, the telescope with a 5-meter diameter mirror on Palomar Mountain was the largest of its kind for decades. Today, telescopes with primary mirrors ranging from 8- to 10-meters in diameter are considered giants among ground-based observatories. Furthermore, projects like the Vera Rubin Observatory with an 8.4-meter telescope, the Thirty-Meter Telescope, and the European Extremely Large Telescope (E-ELT) with its 39.3-meter primary mirror made up of 798 hexagonal segments are pushing the boundaries even further.
In space, the James Webb Space Telescope represents the latest leap forward with a launch scheduled for 2021. Its 6.5-meter-diameter primary mirror will focus on observing distant galaxies and the early universe. The telescope's mirror, to be unfolded after launch, will facilitate observing phenomena at long wavelengths, thanks to its specialized infrared instruments. Ground-breaking observations are expected from the James Webb Space Telescope as it will attempt to capture the light of the first galaxies and stars, assisting astronomers in probing the mysteries of the cosmos.