Hexagon shapes filled with a color spectrum over a starry background

The Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) worked with Tactile Images to produce a tactile version of one of the first images of Uranus by the James Webb Space Telescope. Together, we are producing a limited number of small tactile panels (12" x 12") meant for distribution around the country for use in facilitated experiences. We have produced the panels primarily to expand access to astronomy resources for people who are blind or visually impaired, but these panels also provide new ways to access the content for most people.

STScI will be sending these panels for free to museums, science centers, libraries, and other sites of informal learning in the United States. This form is for organizations to request a panel. Chosen sites will be shipped the 12" x 12" panel and will receive additional materials electronically including some tips on using the panel with an audience and scientific background information about the subject of the image.

STScI aims to distribute the panels to a wide range of venues and audiences with a particular focus on reaching non-traditional audiences such as people who are blind or visually impaired. Organizations must be a non-profit or government site of informal learning that work directly with the public and located inside of the United States to receive a panel. Sites that meet these criteria will be chosen on a first come, first served basis. Due to the limited number of panels, we are not providing panels to K-12 schools or Solar System Ambassadors not associated with an Informal Learning Institution at this time.

Organizations that receive a panel will be asked to provide an estimate on the number of people who had an experience with the panel over the first six months and a brief description (100-200 words) of what type of experiences those were. They are also welcome to share quotes, images (including image release forms), and other examples that we can use for our reporting needs.

After submitting this form, the point of contact will receive an e-mail within two weeks informing them of the status of their interest statement. We will begin shipping panels in the beginning of August 2025.

The panels sent out will become the property of the recipient organization. We encourage the recipient organization to continue finding use for the panel and consider how it may used with future panels, but there is no obligation placed upon the recipient.

Selected ImageThe planet Uranus on a black background. The planet appears light blue with a large, white patch on the right side. On the edge of that patch at the upper left is a bright white spot. Another white spot is located on the left side of the planet at the 9 o’clock position. Around the planet is a system of nested rings. The outermost ring is the brightest while the innermost ring is the faintest. Unlike Saturn’s horizontal rings, the rings of Uranus are vertical and so they appear to surround the planet.


For the panel, we used Webb's first image of Uranus. The original image can be viewed at Webbtelescope.org.


Images of a current tactile panel produced using a James Webb Space Telescope Image of Uranus (Produced July 2025)


Past Panels

Front View of Stephan's QuintetAngled view of Stephan's Quintet showing texture

Images of a past tactile panel produced using a James Webb Space Telescope Image of Stephan's Quintet (Produced July 2022)

      


Three pillars in a star filled nebulaAngled view of Pillars of Creation demonstrating height and texture that would be easy to feel with hands

Images of a past tactile panel produced using a Hubble Space Telescope Image of the Pillars of Creation (Produced September 2021)



There is currently an issue with the original form to request a panel. We request that people complete this linked Google form to place your request. If you have placed a request with the original form on this page, but have not heard back, please resubmit with the Google form.



  • No labels