January 13, 2022 – Christmas 2021 saw the James Webb Space Telescope leave its earthly estate and find its home in space where it would unfold over the proceeding weeks to serve NASA as another eye in the sky. January 8, astronomers and space-lovers everywhere saw the last piece unfold into its final state.
Dr. Casey Watson, Department Chair of Physics & Astronomy at Millikin University, said, “This reminds me of the launch of the Hubble [Space Telescope]. There is a comparable level of excitement to what I saw and felt 32 years ago among both the astronomy community and the general public about our ability to learn vastly more about our cosmos.”
The James Webb Space Telescope needed to unfold its sunshield and one of its two large mirrors to finish deployment. It is considered to be the most powerful telescope ever launched into space.
“The telescope will revolutionize our understanding of when the first stars in the universe were formed, as well as provide more detailed information about planets orbiting other stars within our own galaxy, which may reveal signs of life,” Watson explained.
“Much closer to home, however, the JWST will provide a much more comprehensive data set on near-Earth objects to see which are existential threats to the human race and give us as much time as possible to react to them.”
The James Webb Space Telescope is expected to stay in space for at least the next 20 years. The Hubble has the opportunity to work with the new telescope to better provide data.
Millikin University offers space-lovers a few ways to learn more and contribute to science and astronomy.
Watson shared, “Millikin offers both ‘The Planets’ and ‘Stars and Galaxies’ each spring and fall. One or both of these courses are sometimes offered in the summer if there is sufficient interest.”
Although the University offers Astronomy events throughout the year, the COVID-19 spike has once again put a stop to such occasions.
“Pre-pandemic, from the months of March-May and again from September-November, we opened up the Requarth Observatory for weekly Public Observation Nights,” Watson said, “We hope to start those up again come this fall.”
For those interested in the courses Millikin has to offer, please contact Dr. Casey Watson at the following email: crwatson@millikin.edu
