Following the successful launch and deployment of the James Webb Space Telescope, astronomers have explored new vistas and aspects of the Universe made possible with this remarkable instrument. Webb joins the exploration with a new eye on the Universe. It is not the first space-based telescope to view in infrared, but the instruments on Webb allow for more range in the infrared wavelength. JWST is providing astronomers with a clearer view of the Universe. For example, just this month another first was released by the space telescope. Webb identified frozen water in a young solar system. In 2008, NASA’s Spitzer Space Telescope hinted at the possibility of frozen water in an exo-solar system 155 light years away.
We can follow Webb’s discoveries on NASA’s Webb Space Telescope Mission Page. The mission page features science images. There you may find the first released images from July 2022, as well as JWST’s current science observations. You can also learn how the images are made using the various cameras. Our June General Meeting to learn more about the cutting-edge science from JWST. Our Speaker for June’s meeting was Jim Kovac. A space exploration enthusiast from an early age, Jim Kovac grew up during the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo mission years. He has watched with interest as exciting discoveries from NASA’s planetary missions have been made and anticipates the potential of further exploration and discovery as current and future space missions unfold. Jim is a member of the NASA/JPL-administered Solar System Ambassador program since 2005, as well as the Chicago Society for Space Studies (CSSS).
July ’26 Rick’s Picks
Transient Events That Can Give Us a Good Enough Reason to Get Outside and Do a Little Observing July 2026 All month: the sunset sky becomes a less interesting place for planet watchers this month, as Jupiter and Mercury both head rapidly towards solar...
June ’26 Rick’s Picks
Transient Events That Can Give Us a Good Enough Reason to Get Outside and Do a Little Observing June 2026 All month: the solar system provides treats for planet-watchers both at dawn and at dusk this month, with Mercury, Venus, and Jupiter gracing the early...
May ’26 Rick’s Picks
Transient Events That Can Give Us a Good Enough Reason to Get Outside and Do a Little Observing All month: the pre-dawn sky sees the return of planets this month, gladdening the hearts of early-rising solar system observers. Neptune is first to break the...
April ’26 Rick’s Picks
Transient Events That Can Give Us a Good Enough Reasonto Get Outside and Do a Little Observing All month: it’s a frustrating month for early-rising planet fans, as Mercury, Mars, Saturn, and Neptune all achieve significant elongation from the Sun, but Spring’s...