Now that the JWST has completed its commissioning phase and is operational, we will take a look at some of the first sets of data that have been released from some of Webb’s initial observations of nebulas, Jupiter, stars, stellar nurseries and exoplanets. A brief overview of the history of the JWST conception, development, flight and deployment will also be included, as well as time for Q&A, in this one hour lecture.

Christopher Mick is the Executive Director for the STEM educational nonprofit, Space St. Croix, which brings free Space-themed STEM programming and teacher support materials to all Hudson, Wisconsin area schools, as well as The YMCA, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and home-school programs at the Hudson Area Public Library. Christopher is a NASA Solar System Ambassador, OSIRIS-Rex Ambassador, member of the NASA Museum & Informal Education Alliance and was recently on the Education Advisory Board for Infiniscope as well as a blogger for the Space Science Institute.

Christopher is a member of the Planetary Society, the National Space Society, is a NASA Social Alum, and has been a presenter at the Space Exploration Educators Conference at Space Center Houston, in Houston, TX.

He lives in Hudson, WI.

Fifty and Better was designed to offer university-level courses and lectures (no tests, no homework) taught by experts in the field, and to host social engagement activities for individuals age 50 and older.