The James Webb Space Telescope (sometimes called JWST or Webb) is an orbiting infrared observatory that will complement and extend the legacy of previous space-based telescopes to push the boundaries of human knowledge even further, to the formation of the first galaxies and the horizons of other worlds.
As Webb is scheduled to launch in October 2021 and prepares to begin science operations over the following several months, NASA will provide support to communities everywhere to help you join in celebrating this generational event. Webb’s launch and commissioning, culminating in the release of fabulous new images in May 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?
Webb will be the premier observatory of the next decade. It will study every phase in the history of our Universe. Our goal is that with your help, Webb’s launch and commissioning will captivate and inspire a new generation of space science enthusiasts, reaching a broader, more diverse audience than ever before.
Any museum, science center, planetarium, public library, nature center, visitor’s center, community college, or other non-profit organization that communicates or wishes to communicate science to the public, is eligible to receive supporting materials. The opportunity is open to venues of all sizes. We particularly encourage institutions that engage populations or communities that are traditionally underrepresented or underserved in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) to apply.
Please apply for consideration as an official launch event site by May 16th, 2021. Launch events will be considered for dates up to 30 days before the launch in October 2021. As Webb reaches its orbital destination and prepares to begin science operations, digital resources and activity guides are available for other events you may want to hold around other mission milestones.
Please complete the linked form in order to receive NASA support: Apply here
Example events: PDF with example events
Download text of form: PDF of form questions