P4 - Unfolding the Infrared Universe with the James Webb Space Telescope

The James Webb Space Telescope is the premier infrared observatory in space. Launched on December 25, 2021, Webb embarked on a month-long journey to the Sun-Earth Lagrange point 2 (L2). Over the next five months, the telescope was cooled downed, aligned, focused, and its instruments checked out. On July 12, 2022, the release of Webb's first full-color images and spectra demonstrated the telescope’s impressive infrared capabilities and kicked off the science operations phase of the mission. Since then, the stunning images of solar system objects, star forming regions, exoplanet spectra, and galaxies reveal the infrared universe in a whole new way.

How do you prepare to engage the public to learn more about Webb, momentous milestones in the mission, breaking science news, and the discoveries to come? How do you bring you audience along on the journey unfolding up in space?

This panel will share their work and perspectives on the public outreach efforts through the Space Telescope Science Institute, programs and resources through NASA's Universe of Learning, and planning events for their community. We will share how our collaborative efforts provide different opportunities to bring engaging, accessible, and timely information about Webb science to the general public. There will be some time for discussion and sharing of lessons learned in planning for high-impact, high-interest events.