How JWST is Changing Everything Astronomers Know

At the Museum | Farrand Auditorium

A technical and engineering marvel, NASA's James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is proving to be the ultimate discovery engine. Its unprecedented sensitivity and magnifying power, at previously underexplored infrared wavelengths, also make it an astronomical time machine. UCLA Distinguished Professor of Physics and Astronomy Matthew Malkan, Ph.D., will share the JWST’s latest discoveries, many of which were completely unexpected before launch. Learn about the first stars, galaxies and black holes, and how they have evolved since the Big Bang, to eventually produce habitable worlds, like Earth.

Dr. Malkan is a presidentially appointed member of the National Science Board. He is the principal investigator of the largest observing project undertaken by JWST in its first year, and is working on plans for the California Thirty-Meter Telescope. He enjoys explaining astronomy to non-expert audiences around the world and on television.

No tickets or reservations required.

This event is part of a monthly series of free astronomy talks presented by Santa Barbara’s astronomy club, the Santa Barbara Astronomical Unit (SBAU). Look for more talks and free Star Parties with the SBAU on the Museum’s astronomy calendar.

Questions? Contact Astronomy Programs Manager Ila Jade Komasa at ijadekomasa@sbnature2.org or 805-682-4711 ext. 164.

Photo courtesy Matthew Malkan