First Results from the James Webb Space Telescope

Launched on December 25, 2021 the science results that are starting to come in from the largest telescope ever put into space are spectacular.

You can attend this program online or in person. To take part online, register by using the “Register Here for Online Access” link above. Masks are optional at all in-person library events.

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) was launched on Christmas Day 2021 after almost 17 years of development and was successfully deployed and inserted into its final orbit by the end of January 2022. It is the largest telescope ever put into space, with a mirror diameter of 6.5 meters (21 feet)—almost three times the size of Hubble Space Telescope. Its launch, deployment on orbit, and operations since arriving at its final orbit have been near perfect – and the science results that are starting to come in are spectacular.

Dr. Ron Polidan briefly covers the development history and the technology of JWST, as well as its deployment in space. The majority of the presentation discusses selected science results taken from the first year of JWST science operations. The audience is sure to enjoy an array of stellar images that accompany this talk.

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Oregon (OLLI-UO) in Central Oregon invites community members to participate in our First Friday Talks in partnership with the Deschutes Public Library. OLLI-UO is an intellectual and social community of engaged adult learners, connecting members to university faculty and professionals in respective fields. A six-month or yearlong membership allows participation in a variety of lectures, courses, peer-led study and discussion groups, educational tours, field trips, and social events.