September Free Speaker Series: The James Webb Space Telescope: Our Giant Eye on the Invisible Sky

A nontechnical, illustrated talk by Andrew Fraknoi 

The first images from the James Webb Space Telescope were applauded by scientists, the media, and the public.  But there is far more to our expectations from this remarkable space instrument than just pretty pictures.  In this introductory talk, astronomer and educator Andrew Fraknoi explains what makes the Webb a truly pioneering instrument, what the first images actually show, and what scientists expect the telescope to accomplish in years to come.  In the process, he discusses how the Webb observes an “invisible universe” of infrared rays, and what astronomers are hoping to learn about “cosmic evolution” -- the birth and death of stars, planets, and galaxies.  No background in science is required to understand this program. [read more and to register]