NASA STEM Stars: Photographer - Webb Space Telescope

TL;DR

In this episode of STEM Stars, photographer Chris Gunn discusses his role in capturing captivating images of NASA's James Webb Space Telescope, the successor to the Hubble telescope, which will allow us to see further into space and back in time.

Transcript

stem fans are you ready let's hear it for the world-class nasa stem stars team from nasa centers across the country we present chris good [Applause] hey stem fans welcome to this week's episode of stem stars it's a chance where we get a moment or time to reflect and see what's going on at nasa and chat with stem professionals from all across the ag... Read More

Key Insights

• 🤽 Science communication, through mediums like photography, plays a crucial role in making science accessible to the average person.
• 👾 The James Webb Space Telescope is a significant advancement in space exploration, allowing us to see deeper into space and back in time.
• 🧡 NASA's projects, such as the James Webb Space Telescope, require a diverse range of skills and roles beyond engineering and astrophysics.
• 🏅 Gold is used in the mirrors of the telescope for its superior infrared reflection properties.
• 😀 The James Webb Space Telescope will operate from a location called L2, which is a million miles away from Earth, orbiting the sun.
• 🎮 Cleanliness and contamination control are essential during the manufacturing and transportation of the telescope to ensure its optimal performance.
• 🥺 Chris Gunn's journey from pursuing law to following his passion for photography led him to his current role as a NASA photographer.
• 🔭 The James Webb Space Telescope will augment the discoveries made by the Hubble telescope and provide deeper insights into the universe.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the purpose of the James Webb Space Telescope?

The James Webb Space Telescope is designed to see further into space and back in time by operating in the infrared range. It is the successor to the Hubble telescope.

Q: Can you work at NASA without being an engineer or astrophysicist?

Yes, there are various roles at NASA, including photographers and writers, that support the missions and contribute to science communication.

Q: What is the significance of using gold in the mirrors of the James Webb Space Telescope?

Gold reflects infrared light better than any other material, which makes it ideal for the mirrors of the telescope, as it operates in the infrared range.

Q: Will there be a possibility to repair the James Webb Space Telescope if issues arise?

While there are no current plans for repairs, it is never ruled out entirely as unforeseen circumstances and advancements in technology could make it possible.

Q: How does the James Webb Space Telescope compare to the Hubble telescope in terms of size and power?

The James Webb Space Telescope is about a hundred times more powerful than the Hubble telescope and has a sun shield the size of a tennis court. Its primary mirror is 6.5 meters in diameter.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Chris Gunn is a photographer at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center and is currently working on capturing images of the James Webb Space Telescope.

• He studied photography at the University of District of Columbia and opened his own studio before joining NASA.

• Science communication and creating visually striking images of scientific projects like the James Webb Space Telescope are his passions.