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).
Neutrino Astronomy In Greenland and Antartica
Not all telescopes use light to observe the universe. Some, like ice cubes, the RadioNeutrino Observatory in Greenland (RNO-G) and the Payload for Ultrahigh Energy Observations (PUEO) look for neutrinos from distant, extragalactic sources by detecting their...
Astronomy Fundamentals: What Possessed You to Build Your Own Telescope
Amateur astronomy used to be associated with making your own telescope. Stellafane in Vermont still pays homage to the art of telescope making and is approaching its 90th year. However, with the availability of mass produced mirrors, lenses, and complete telescopes,...
July ’25 – Rick’s Picks
Transient Events That Can Give Us a Good Enough Reason to Get Outside and Do a Little ObservingAll month: the evening sky belongs almost exclusively to Mars again this month, with Mercury playing a supporting role after sunset until mid-July, about the same time that...
Focal Plane June 2025 Astronomy Fundamentals: NAA Welcomes You to Family Fun Night
Our June Fundamentals continues our annual tradition of providing a family night of science. Just because school is out for the summer (not forever), doesn’t mean the opportunity to learn is also on hiatus. If you have some budding science enthusiasts at home, you may...