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Naturally speaking: Explore the wonders of outer space

Chances are you’ve heard that the James Webb Space Telescope is sending back strikingly beautiful images of the depths of our universe. This telescope is wowing people around the globe as we learn more.

The Webb telescope is designed primarily to conduct infrared astronomy. As the largest optical telescope in space, its greatly improved infrared resolution and sensitivity allow it to view objects too early, distant or faint for the Hubble Space Telescope to capture.

The Webb telescope will look back at some of the earliest stages of the universe, gather views of early star and galaxy formation and provide insights into the formation of planetary systems, including our own solar system.

But, who was James Webb? He became the administrator of NASA in 1961, just months before President John F. Kennedy announced the U.S. commitment to sending a man to the moon by 1970. He gave overriding priority to the success of the Apollo mission and used his considerable political skills to rally and maintain support for the program, even after three astronauts died in an accident in 1967.

Webb was also a keen student of public administration and used NASA as a laboratory for his ideas about how to organize large-scale public undertakings in ways that both increased the chances of a program’s success and provided maximum benefits to the country.

I am old enough to recall the first moon landing and the landings afterwards. These scenes instilled in me an interest in science. It is my sincere hope that these telescope images would do likewise in the up-and-coming generations of young people.

What is the best way to keep abreast of the images sent back from this telescope? I suggest visiting www.space.com, which has wowed me with news and views pertaining to all things outer space.

Here is a description of the site so that you could get to understand what it is all about. “Space.com is the premier source of space exploration, innovation and astronomy news, chronicling (and celebrating) humanity’s ongoing expansion across the final frontier. We transport our visitors across the solar system and beyond through accessible, comprehensive coverage of the latest news and discoveries.

“For us, exploring space is as much about the journey as it is the destination. So from skywatching guides and stunning photos of the night sky to rocket launches and breaking news of robotic probes visiting other planets, at Space.com you’ll find something amazing every day.

“The night sky tonight and on any clear night offers an ever-changing display of fascinating objects you can see, from stars and constellations to bright planets, often the moon, and sometimes special events like meteor showers. Observing the night sky can be done with no special equipment, although a sky map can be very useful, and a good beginner telescope or binoculars will enhance some experiences and bring some otherwise invisible objects into view.

“You can also use astronomy accessories to make observing easier, and use our Satellite Tracker page powered by N2YO.com to find out when to see the International Space Station and other satellites. Read on to find out what’s up in the night sky tonight (Planets Visible Now, Moon Phases, Observing Highlights This Month) plus other resources (Skywatching Terms, Night Sky Observing Tips and Further Reading).”

Check out this site.


Source: Berkshire mont

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