Is Astronomy Ready for the James Webb Space Telescope?

NASA’s next astrophysics flagship mission, the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), will soon be ready to explore the universe, but will scientists be ready to take full advantage of this incredibly powerful observatory? What will it take to be able to peer back in time to an era when the first stars and galaxies came into existence or peer with unprecedented vision at planets around stars other than our Sun? Preparations for the first observations with the telescope are underway, and astronomers are eagerly anticipating the opportunity to propose science programs that will lead to a host of new discoveries.

In this lecture, Ken Sembach, director of the Space Telescope Science Institute, will highlight some of the exciting science to be conducted in JWST’s first year of observations. He will also provide a behind-the-scenes look at the complex science and flight operations activities needed to prepare the telescope and the astronomical community for an amazing journey across time and space.

[youtubeconnollyfamily]

I’m just a regular truck driver but watching this was awesome.

[stormeu]

being a smart scientist is important in his position and being a good explainer of science is essential. well done.

[thedpsemporiumofdrumtracks]

This was way more entertaining than I thought it would be. Anyone with the slightest curiosity of space or the cosmos should watch this. There is a ton of really good quality pictures supplementing his talk. He was a great, passionate speaker too. He really brought the humanity of this all together that few in the astronomy community can communicate as well. Just awesome from start to finish.

[Cielzerozx]

I am so very excited when the JWST is going to start looking into the distant past and some mind blowing discoveries! Im so lucky im alive!

[ashwadhwani]

Thanks for trying to rouse reverence for astronomy of the universe. You were successful

[samiamoon]

It launched yesterday. It was just incredible. I keep rewatching the launch! Good luck JWST

[abcde_fz]

38:35
Cool. Makes mention of the fact that Webb will be, and will be good at, looking for water in the universe. First I heard such emphasis put on that ability and that goal...

[CuriosityLounge]

Great Job to NASA, Northrop Grumman, and the entire team that worked on the JWST. Looking forward to images that are sent back from JWST.

[ncuxap]

I can't wait this thing gets to space. I'll be excited like a child the day this happens. This telescope is so much better than Hubble, it will be a huge win for the science of astronomy. I can't wait!

[kimsland]

Rewatching this, I'm amazed how accurate this Director was, I mean this is nearly 4 years ago, and everything is specifically accurate to what he said. Amazing.

[Pathologymadesimple]

I am a veterinarian watching this video😍 every minute was fascinating. 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[RenatasSam]

My mind is blown away, when every time I try to imagine how big is the universe!

[bradpoole]

This video may be 4 years old, but this hypothesis and engineering marvel is being confirmed everyday. We are days away from seeing the furthest and most extraordinary images of distant space. Humanity has completed the greatest engineering feat so far, we need to continue to evolve.

[psshotsgaming]

Very Emotional seeing how much work has gone into looking out into the vastness of the universe, works cant describe seeing these images. Thank you

[tristanobrien]

WOW, looking at this a couple of days after we launched. I’m in awe and deeply moved by what we were able to accomplish and how it will help us understand all that is around us better. Also, what a great storytelling talent Kenneth has! Bravo and thank you so much. #GOWEBB

[paulseale]

I am so excited. This new tool will show us so much. Challenge old ideas. Answer old questions. We all have to have the maturity to see the truth.

[philvanderheit]

I was thinking : world, universe must be so boring and surpriseless to creationists. I mean no evolution, no questions, no scientific curiosity and consequently no discoveries, no philosophical astonishment ! I believe a creationist mind is a place where light never shines !

Anyway, thank you so much for this very interesting lecture !

Greetings from Switzerland 🇨🇭

[chuckcassel]

JWST just stacked it’s first photo. Won’t be much longer till we get maybe the best photos ever .

[Djfmdotcom]

And in a week or two its journey finally begins!

[sharonsmilesphotography]

I am anxiously anticipating the launch this week of the James Webb Telescope!