Neil & NASA Explain James Webb's First Images

James Webb Space Telescope’s first full-color images have arrived! On this explainer, Neil deGrasse Tyson and comic co-host Chuck Nice explore the deepest views of the cosmos yet with NASA astrophysicist, Knicole Colon.

Discover nebulas, gas clouds, galaxies, and stars in the new images captured by JWST. We enjoy space in all its beauty, but also ask: what do these images helps us uncover? Find out about the objectives of JWST as represented by the new images and about the countless scientists and engineers who made it all happen. Learn about the atmospheres of exoplanets, Stephan’s Quintet, and the Carina Nebula. What are we hoping to discover as scientists capture even more data and images? Who do we find biomarkers on planets many lightyears away? Finally, will JWST bring us one step closer to discovering life?

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Science meets pop culture on StarTalk! Astrophysicist & Hayden Planetarium director Neil deGrasse Tyson, his comic co-hosts, guest celebrities & scientists discuss astronomy, physics, and everything else about life in the universe. Keep Looking Up!

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0:00 - Introduction
3:07 - Unfold the Universe
6:05 - Where Was JWST Launched From?
7:22 - Biden’s JWST Address
8:30 - Galaxy Clusters
9:33 - Exoplanets
17:52 - Stefan’s Quintet
20:10 - Southern Ring Nebula
22:57 - The Science Behind JWST
25:49 - JWST’s Data
27:13 - Looking For Life
30:10 - Closing Notes

[StarTalk]

What were your reactions to James Webb's first images?

[lewisbale]

My daughter is one of the Engineers that worked for Northrop Grumman on the JWST. Finally, so happy that we get to see these images.

[pradyumnsoni]

Saw video where Neil was invited on a news channel to speak on these images but was given only 5 minutes to speak on them and was cut abruptly. Such a disservice to him and the universe. Glad to see him talk his heart out in this explainer. Love you Neil <3

[frustis]

This is such a great combination. Nicole, a full on expert on the matter on one side; Tyson, with his general knowledge of everything and great communication skills who knows what the public will understand from what Nicole is saying and what not; and then Chuck, knowing little about it but making great commentary and adding humor, as well as giving Tyson excuses to explain things for the public. So good. I love this show

[kevinc]

I had the pleasure of working on JWST for about 13 years. Many long days, including weekends and many others that I worked with worked more. Congratulations to all NGC team members and our partners.

[juliahaynie]

Scientists being excited about science is always the best!

[jumpingjelloshot]

I started listening to Star Talk a couple years ago because I love learning about space. Today watching this I have officially decided to pursue Astrophysics as my future! Thank you for being my inspiration and all of our personal favorite Astrophysicist!

[cornydawg]

StarTalk is absolutely fantastic. I'm finding the older I get, the more curious I am of the cosmos and the less I generally care about the smaller human problems. Keep up the great content! :)

[OdiVonDobi]

Yay! To all of you for being: knowledgeable, humble, fun, excited, and sharing your love of science/space. Chuck you are great with your comedy, Neil with your insatiable desire to not only learn, but to teach/share your love of science, and to be able to put this information in laymen terms so I can grasp this! And your guests are always awesome, thank you Nicole for coming on this show and sharing your exciting news with us! Gratitude to you all🙏 👍👏

[nsubugakasozi]

As an engineer...mad respect to NASA engineers who solve problems you cant even replicate easily on earth

[feldibaer]

Thank you on behalf of all engineers. Here in Germany, as engineers, we say our greatest praise is the silence when nobody complains.

[jasonbulloch]

Never have I laughed so hard with full-on scientists! It's so incredibly refreshing to see these highly educated, hard working, ambitious fine people having so much fun with each other - it's nothing short of genius on the part of each of them. AND the incredible volume of information presented in such a digestible fashion absolutely re-energizes (Star Trek reference) my overall faith in not only humanity on a global scale and beyond, but moreover science and scientists as it's trending to make these subjects much more accessible and understandable to us common folk. (Speaking for myself of course). So, a special thanks goes out to you all and all the industrious scientists and engineers the world over that keep humanity moving forward in a positive direction and keeping us from returning to the caves and pulling our spouses around by their hair and whatnot.

[brett]

Thanks for the shout out Neil! Engineers are here trying to solve the how problems. Our best work is always completely unrecognizable. Like the fish who doesn't know of water.

[Bozbaby]

Yes!! Finally, you get to explain in detail the first images instead of being stuffed into five minute segments and not interrupted by ignorant, pushy hosts.

[michaelgahagan]

I am a truck driver and I delivered some equipment to the Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt Maryland in 2008. I was lucky enough to get a tour of the facility and saw the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter.

[SeanBenward]

These explainers do so much to elevate interest in science. It makes me regret not taking it more seriously when I was in school. I live in Japan now, would be great if these could be translated. I would love to share these with my students.

[nativedoll]

One word MESMERIZING I’m in awe happy I’m alive to hear and see this day happen thank Neil

[chinedunduaguba]

If you are reading this Prof. Dr. Neil Degraise Tyson, just say that I'm your biggest fan from Nigeria. I'm so glad that I stumbled into your channel and even more glad for the laughter we enjoy from Chuck. He's such a handful 😀

[mikep]

I found Chuck's "Old Man Hubble" impersonations incredibly amusing, and very interesting. But, remember, Hubble is still not out of it. Hubble can see frequencies that Webb can't. Making composites with data from both the several IR detectors on Webb and data in the visible from Hubble can still produce useful results.

[maryannegunter]

Wow, I didn't know this podcast existed but sure glad I found it! I love NDT and it's a pleasure listening to him. He is so intelligent and his sense of humor and laughter, just makes you feel so good! Not to mention all the info he shares. Definitely subscribe to StarTalk.