Since its launch almost 19 years ago, the Hubble space telescope has brought visions of space and better understanding of our universe into our living rooms. About 2018, as Hubble continues, its far infrared successor, the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) will be launched. Learn about the research and engineering that went into developing this giant leap in technology, which will provide 100-fold improvement in our views and allows for the study of the earliest structure and evolution of the visible universe. Lectures include an intro to beginner’s physics and astronomy concepts, and examples and discussion on how the JWST technology will contribute to our knowledge about the origins of the universe, including Big Bang/first light, galaxy formation and solar system development.
Required Reading: Search for popular articles on your favorite internet search engine with the words, “James Webb Space Telescope.”
Recommended Reading: Before the Beginning, Martin Rees, (Persus Books) 1997. The James Webb Space Telescope, (Space Science Reviews), 2006.