The James Webb Space Telescope will be the largest, most powerful and complex space telescope ever built and launched into space. It will fundamentally alter our understanding of the universe. This telescope will complement and extend the range of Hubble, and will be the largest telescope ever placed in space; 100 times more powerful than Hubble.

As James 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, as part of the “” initiative. For this, NASA will promote official community events on its website, help connect host venues to trainings about Webb and the telescope’s launch process and science, as well as to subject matter experts to best engage with audiences either in person (where possible) or virtually. In addition, hard-copy event materials and handouts can be shipped to participating locations as resources allow.

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. Particularly institutions that engage populations or communities that are traditionally underrepresented or underserved in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) are encouraged to apply.
To host an official NASA event for the Webb launch, please fill out this linked form before May 16: Apply here.

Sites designated as “official NASA sites” receiving support will be based on:
• Location
• Reach – number of people they serve
• A plan for engaging underserved audiences
• Hosting a free, publicly accessible event
• A safety plan, including COVID-19 considerations, as well as a digital back-up plan for in person events
• Connections to local partners (e.g. school districts, county governments, other community organizations, etc.)
• A plan for continuing engagement with community beyond the single event