NASA STEM Stars: Program Scientist | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

Dr. Eric Smith discusses his journey in astronomy, work on the James Webb Space Telescope, and upcoming launch.

Key Insights

• 👾 Dr. Eric Smith's passion for space was ignited during the Apollo era and influenced by popular culture.
• 💦 His journey from undergrad work on a telescope to becoming an astronomer at NASA highlights the interdisciplinary nature of science at the agency.
• 🔬 The James Webb Space Telescope's name honors NASA's second administrator, James Webb, who advocated for science at the agency.
• 🎨 Webb's design and capabilities, including its ability to study exoplanets and early galaxies, make it a crucial tool for advancing astronomy.
• 💦 Dr. Smith's involvement in the Hubble program and work at NASA Goddard and headquarters showcase the diverse roles available at NASA.
• 💦 Stargazing tips and the significance of finding ocean worlds like Earth add layers of excitement to Dr. Smith's work and the possibilities of Webb's discoveries.
• 👾 Students are encouraged to engage in activities like the Exoquest game and follow NASA's social media accounts to stay connected with STEM initiatives.

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 dr eric smith hello everybody and welcome to this week's nasa stem stars where we use this opportunity to engage and converse with professionals from all around the country that work at nasa and we get to hear more about th... Read More

Questions & Answers

Q: How did Dr. Eric Smith become interested in astronomy?

Dr. Smith's interest in astronomy stemmed from growing up during the Apollo era, watching astronauts, and being inspired by shows like Star Trek.

Q: What research did Dr. Smith conduct at NASA Goddard and how did he end up at NASA headquarters?

Dr. Smith started as a research scientist at Goddard, worked on the Shuttle program and Hubble Telescope, and transitioned to NASA headquarters from his PhD work at the University of Maryland.

Q: What discoveries is Dr. Eric Smith looking forward to with the James Webb Space Telescope?

Dr. Smith is excited about using Webb to find the first galaxies formed after the Big Bang and study exoplanets to understand their atmospheres.

Q: How far will the James Webb Space Telescope be located from Earth in its orbit around the Sun?

The Webb telescope will orbit one million miles from Earth, allowing it to remain cold and observe distant objects without interference from the Earth's heat.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Dr. Eric Smith shares his background in astronomy, love for space inspired by Apollo and Star Trek, and career at NASA.

• He discusses his work at NASA Goddard and headquarters, involvement in the Hubble program, and current role with the James Webb Space Telescope.

• The episode explores the design and goals of the James Webb Space Telescope, including its importance in observing exoplanets and early galaxies.