Date: Monday 10-Feb-2025
Time: 11:15 am - 12:15 pm
Location: ATL 1250 and Zoom (contact host Matt Nixon for link)
Speaker: Rob Zellem (NASA GSFC)
Title: The Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope: NASA’s Next Astrophysics Flagship Mission
Abstract: The Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope is NASA’s next astrophysics flagship mission launching no earlier than October 2026 and no later than May 2027 to conduct transformative infrared astronomy, study cosmology by the structure and evolution of the universe, and to discover and observe exoplanets. Roman will perform visible to infrared photometry and spectroscopic observations with its primary instrument, the Wide Field Instrument. These observations are currently being defined by the larger astronomy community via its Core Community Surveys. Roman’s secondary instrument, the Coronagraph, will serve as a technology demonstration of ground-based direct imaging technology and techniques for the first time ever in space. The lessons learned from the Roman Coronagraph will directly inform the development of NASA’s Habitable Worlds Observatory, the next astrophysics flagship after Roman launching in ~15 years that is being designed to search for life on other words. Rob will give an overview of Roman, current mission status, and ways to get involved in this community-driven space observatory.
If you have any questions, contact the PALS hosts: Benjamin Sharkey (small bodies) and Matt Nixon (exoplanets).
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.
ATL 1250 is a flat, carpeted conference room that can accommodate approximately 20-30 people at large tables. The closest wheelchair accessible entry to this room in the Atlantic building is the white stone entrance at 224 Stadium Drive.
