James Webb Space Telescope

James Web Space Telescope 3D render
The James Webb Space Telescope will find the first galaxies that formed in the early universe and peer through dusty clouds to see stars forming planetary systems.
Webb JWST First Images Southern Ring Nebula Credits NASA, ESA, CSA, and STScI
Southern Ring Nebula
One of the James Webb Space Telescope Images first images released July 12, 2022.
Credits: NASA, ESA, CSA, and STScI  
Learn more: https://www.nasa.gov/webbfirstimages

Latest news

Webb Space Telescope will orbit the Sun near the second Sun-Earth Lagrange point L2 1 million miles from Earth on the far side of Earth from the Sun - credit STScI
Image courtesy: STScI 

Telescope Overview

The James Webb Space Telescope has arrived at its final destination, about 1 million miles (1.5 million kilometers) from Earth; the telescope will orbit around Lagrange point 2 (L2) on the far side of Earth from the Sun. In this orbit, Webb can maintain a safe distance from the bright light of the Sun, Earth, and Moon, while also maintaining its position relative to Earth.

Hosting a Community Event

Webb Space Telescope logo

The James Webb Space Telescope (Webb) is the largest, most powerful and complex space telescope ever built and launched into space. NASA and its partners want to share the experience of the Webb Space Telescope’s first images with communities all over the United States and abroad. NASA and its partners invite community organizations to celebrate the first images from the James Webb Space Telescope. Webb, the most audacious scientific endeavor to understand the nature of the universe, has reached its orbit point a million miles from Earth and in July 2022 when it sends its first images back to Earth.The goal of this NASA initiative is to create and nurture generations of science enthusiasts, including underserved audiences, through long-term, meaningful engagement with Webb’s discoveries.

  • Map of official NASA Community Event for First Images 2022 locations
    The map and list of selected NASA Webb Space Telescope community events is now available. https://outerspace.stsci.edu/display/WSTCE/Official+Community+Events

  • You can still host an event if you aren't an "official" NASA Webb community event! 
    There are still many resources available for hosting events.

Resources for Community Events 

NISE Net Online Workshop logo

Professional Development Workshops

Closeup image of the nebula spin art creations

Hands-on Activities

Related NISE Network activities

More Hands-on Activities

Spanish language materials

Webb Space Telescope first public presentation outreach slide

Slides

A set of public presentation slides including talking points, scripts in the notes pane, adaptation suggestions for different audiences, and video links is now available for download.

Screenshot of NASA Eyes for Exoplants

Multimedia and Interactive Resources

Explore exoplanets using NASA Eyes
https://eyes.nasa.gov/apps/exo/#/

NASA Images

James Web Space Telescope being assembled

NASA Videos

Resources for Planetariums / Domes

Example poster of James Webb Space Telescope

Printable Materials and Posters

 Finding and Collaborating with Subject Matter Experts

Webb Social Media image showing image of telescope under construction and list of social media links

Social Media

Follow Webb using #NASAWebb on NASA's social channels, Twitter and Facebook and Instagram Platforms:

Webb Space Telescope Diagram

Telescope Measurements for Life-Size Comparison Activities

  • How big is the mirror? 
    Webb’s segmented primary mirror has a diameter of 6.6 meters (21.7 feet). Each of the 18 segments is 1.32 meters (4.3 feet) across. The area of the mirror is approximately 25 square meters (270 square feet) and the mass is 705 kilograms (1,550 pounds on Earth).
  • How big is the telescope? 
    The sunshield dimensions are 21.2 by 14.2 meters (69.5 by 46.5 feet) and the height of the entire observatory is 8 meters (28 feet).
  • Spacecraft Diagram: https://webbtelescope.org/contents/media/images/4194-Image
Webb Telescope Pumpkin design carved into a pumpkin

Pumpkin Carving

 

 

 

NASA Share your art inspired by the Webb Telescope images montage of artwork various artists

Exhibits

 

Host your own Webb inspired art exhibition

Art Challenge

Webb Telescope asy to build paper model held in a hand

Paper Models 

 

 

James Web Space Telescope 3D render

3D Printing  

 

 

 

 

Kauai Community Science Center Waimea Hawaii Webb Space Telescope event 3D printed bubble wands
Webb Space Telescope event
3D printed bubble wands
Photo courtesy of 
Kauai Community Science Center
Waimea Hawaii

3D Printed Bubble Wands

Kauai Community Science Center in Hawaii made use of a 3D printer to create hundreds of James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) themed bubble wands and JWST models. In addition, they partnered with The Hawaiʻi State Public Library System for a reading challenge and a JWST model brown bag activity for visitors to take home. Check out the 3D printed bubble wands here: https://www.facebook.com/382651265048/posts/10159475099350049/?d=n and the take-home brown bag activity here: https://www.facebook.com/106802647334807/posts/634643971217336/?d=n

Have your own 3D printer? Print bubble wands of your own here: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2995336

 

 

 

NASA Webb Space Telescope Augmented Reality App child with iPad looking at floating model

Augmented Reality (AR) App

NASA has developed an augmented reality to be used with an iPhone or iPad to place a floating virtual model of Webb in your surroundings, take photos, and learn all about this incredible mission. In augmented reality, you can place a full sized, virtual model of the Webb telescope outside or you can adjust the size and virtually place it on your desk or kitchen table.
Download free for iOS

Youtube Video

Additional Astrophysics and Space Telescope Resources