Astronomy Colloquium for 2022-09-14


Series: Astronomy Colloquium
Date: Wednesday 14-Sep-2022
Time: 16:05-17:00 (4:05-5:00 pm)
Location: ATL 2400
Speaker: Dr. Jane Rigby (GSFC)
Title: Commissioning JWST + early science

JWST is a large (6.5m diameter), cold (<50 K) infrared-optimized astronomical observatory with a segmented mirror design, which was launched on 25 Dec. 2021, unfolded in space, and entered science operations in July 2022. Commissioning has demonstrated that JWST is fully capable of achieving the discoveries for which it was built. Almost across the board, the science performance of JWST is better than expected: the images are sharper, the pointing is more stable and precise, and the science instruments have generally higher total throughput than pre-launch expectations. Collectively, these factors translate into better sensitivity than assumed before launch, in many cases by tens of percent. As one of the three commissioning scientists for JWST, the speaker was deeply involved in all aspects of commissioning the spacecraft, telescope, and science instruments. The speaker is also the PI of the JWST Early Release Science program TEMPLATES, which is studying star formation in galaxies that have been gravitationally lensed. This talk will provide behind-the-scenes stories of commissioning the world's most powerful space observatory, summarize the currently-known science performance of JWST, and highlight early science that is emerging, with a look ahead.


In-person colloquia are usually preceded by espresso and ice cream at 1:45 pm outside room PSC 1150 and are followed by an informal reception at 5:15 pm in that room. Anyone interested in talking with the speaker, or being added to the colloquium announcement email list, should contact the colloquium organizer Dr. Leslie Sage. Lunch will normally be reserved for the speaker to talk to graduate students. Anyone asking a question during a talk is asked to raise their hand and be acknowledged before speaking. Contact Dr. Leslie Sage for details.

Colloquium Organizer: Dr. Leslie Sage

SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS:

Special accommodations for individuals with disabilities can be made by calling (301) 405-3001. It would be appreciated if we are notified at least one week in advance.

DIRECTIONS, PARKING, AND OTHER INFORMATION FOR VISITORS

Directions and information about parking can be found here.

This page was automatically generated on: 26-Oct-2022.