WNC hosts Webb Space Telescope talk Saturday

Jack C. Davis Observatory Director Thomas Herring will provide a presentation about the James Webb Space Telescope on Saturday, Aug. 19, according to a news release.

The one-hour presentation starts at 7:30 p.m. inside the observatory, which is located above Western Nevada College’s campus at 2269 Vanpatten Ave.

Herring will focus on the first year of science from the telescope, which is specifically designed to conduct infrared astronomy, the release said. In contrast to the Hubble Space Telescope, the James Webb Space Telescope can view older, more distant and fainter objects because of the high resolution and high sensitivity of its instruments.

“I hope that attendees get as excited as me about the amazing things we've learned and the possibilities for new discoveries yet to come from this amazing instrument,” Herring said in the release.

Following the free lecture, the observatory will present its weekly Star Party. The Western Nevada Astronomical Society hosts these parties, bringing together people with an interest in astronomy. Newcomers are always welcome and will be assisted in using a variety of telescopes.

Attendees will receive stickers, bookmarks and small posters of the telescope’s first anniversary image.