Webb Space Telescope Community Events

Host a Webb Space Telescope Community Event for First Images 2022

Overview

The James Webb Space Telescope (Webb) is the largest, most powerful and complex space telescope ever built and launched into space (mission trailer). NASA and its partners want to share the experience of the Webb Space Telescope’s first images with communities all over the United States and abroad. 

We will help community organizations celebrate this generational moment in our exploration of the universe by hosting Webb Space Telescope Community Events (in-person, virtual or hybrid). The release of Webb’s first images in July 2022, represents a unique opportunity to engage your community through some of humanity’s biggest questions: How does the universe work? How did we get here? Are we alone?

This is part of a long-term, sustained public engagement initiative. NASA’s vision for the Community Events is to create and nurture generations of science enthusiasts, including underserved audiences, through long-term, meaningful engagement with Webb’s discoveries. More than 450 organizations in the US celebrated Webb’s launch, which was on December 25, 2021, by hosting events around the country through the fall and winter. To apply to be a Community Event host, click here. Deadline for applications is Friday, February 25, 2022.

Engagement Goals

We have three goals for the Webb Community Events:

1. Make science accessible to all, especially underserved communities.
2. Share the value of science discovery with images and other data that will inspire curiosity.
3. Help people experience the joy, beauty and power of STEM. 

Who Can Be a Host

Any community organization that communicates or wishes to communicate science to the public can participate. This can include, but is not limited to:

• Astronomy clubs and amateur astronomers (including those in the Night Sky Network)
• Community colleges, colleges or universities
• K-12 schools, clubs or classrooms
• Local community organizations (YMCAs, community centers, Boys and Girls Clubs, etc.)
• Museums (non-science or science-focused)
• Nature centers or parks
• Observatories (formal or informal)
• Planetariums
• Public libraries
• Science centers
• Solar System Ambassadors
• Visitors centers

We welcome venues of all sizes. We are seeking to engage the public at large, not only space buffs. We particularly encourage institutions that engage populations or communities that are underserved to participate.