How will the James Webb Space Telescope change how we see the universe? Ask an expert!
The James Webb Space Telescope is launching on December 22, 2021. Webb’s revolutionary technology will explore every phase of cosmic history—from within our solar system to the most distant observable galaxies in the early universe, to everything in between. Postdoctoral Research Associate Naomi Rowe-Gurney will be taking your questions about Webb and Webb science in an Answer Time session on Thursday, December 14 from noon to 1 p.m EST here on our Tumblr!
Dr. Naomi Rowe-Gurney recently completed her PhD at the University of Leicester and is now working at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center as a postdoc through Howard University. As a planetary scientist for the James Webb Space Telescope, she’s an expert on the atmospheres of the ice giants in our solar system — Uranus and Neptune — and how the Webb telescope will be able to learn more about them.
The James Webb Space Telescope – fun facts:
Webb is so big it has to fold origami-style to fit into its rocket and will unfold like a “Transformer” in space.
Webb is about 100 times more powerful than the Hubble Space Telescope and designed to see the infrared, a region Hubble can only peek at.
With unprecedented sensitivity, it will peer back in time over 13.5 billion years to see the first galaxies born after the Big Bang––a part of space we’ve never seen.
It will study galaxies near and far, young and old, to understand how they evolve.
Webb will explore distant worlds and study the atmospheres of planets orbiting other stars, known as exoplanets, searching for chemical fingerprints of possible habitability.
Dr. Jonny Kim was selected by NASA to join the 2017 Astronaut Candidate Class. He reported for duty in August 2017 and having completed the initial astronaut candidate training is now eligible for mission assignments to the International Space Station, the Moon and eventually Mars. A U.S. Navy SEAL, Kim completed more than 100 combat operations. Kim was commissioned as a naval officer through an enlisted-to-officer program and earned his degree in mathematics at the University of San Diego and a doctorate of medicine at Harvard Medical School. Born and raised in Los Angeles, California to Korean-American immigrants, he enjoys spending time with his family, outdoor activities, academic and professional mentoring, strength training and lifelong learning.
Dr. Kim took some time from his job as a NASA astronaut to answer questions about his life and career! Enjoy:
Why did you apply to be an astronaut?
For many reasons. I think that humans are natural explorers. There is a calling in all of us to explore the unknown, push the boundaries and redefine what is possible. I’m drawn to the physical and mental challenges of space exploration and the teamwork required to complete such an objective. And finally, the opportunity to do something good for our country, for humanity, and to inspire the next generation of thinkers, leaders, explorers and scientists.
What was your favorite memory from astronaut training?
I’m a big believer that people can grow stronger bonds with each other when they succeed through shared hardship. And I think that developing relationships with one another is one of the best ways to forge successful team skills to be successful in any endeavor. With that context, I can tell you that my favorite memory from astronaut training was traversing the deep canyon slots of the Utah Canyon Lands for almost 2 weeks with my classmates. We hiked trails, climbed canyons, swam through deep, dark, cold and murky waters and forged through uncertainty, all while being together. This shared hardship was not only fun, but it helped us grow closer to one another. It’s one of the fondest memories I have when I think about my amazing classmates, and through that shared hardship, I know I can count on any one of my fellow astronauts when the going gets tough.
If you could play any song during launch, what would it be?
Don’t Stop Believin’ by Journey.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
I would tell myself to always follow your passion, never stature or money, because following a life of passion is long-term, sustainable and usually helps others. Be accountable for your mistakes and failures, and maintain the humility to learn from those mistakes and failures. And finally, I would caution myself that all worthwhile goals are difficult to obtain, but with the right attitude and hard work, you can accomplish anything.
How did your time as a Navy Seal impact your astronaut training?
Being a Naval Special Warfare Operator taught me that humans are capable of accomplishing ten times what their bodies and mind tell them. I learned there are no limits in life, and the biggest setback one can have is a poor attitude. I learned the value of strong leadership and accountability. I also learned the meaning of sacrifice, hardship, teamwork, love and compassion. All these traits helped me to develop the hard and soft skills required to be an astronaut.
How do we prepare medically for long duration missions? What tools, resources, medications do we anticipate needing, and how do we figure that out?
This is a great question and the answer is evolving. The way we answer this question is by being thoughtful and consulting the medical communities to weigh the pros and cons of every single decision we make regarding this. Mass plays an important factor, so we have to be mindful of everything we bring and how we train for it.
Who was the first person you called after being selected to be an astronaut?
It would have been my wife but she was with me when I heard the news. The first person I called was my mom.
What is one item from home that you would bring to space?
A picture of my wife and kids.
What does it mean to you to be part of the Artemis generation of astronauts?
It means that I have a duty and obligation to serve humanity’s best interests. To explore the unknown, push boundaries and redefine what’s possible. It means I have an immense opportunity to serve as an example and inspiration to our next generation of leaders and explorers. It also means there is a hard road ahead, and when the mission calls for us, we will be ready.
What are three personal items, besides photos of family and friends, that you would bring with you on your first spaceflight?
An automatic watch, because the engineering behind a timepiece is a beautiful thing. An American flag, because I proudly believe and uphold the principles and ideals our country stands for. And finally, a nice journal that I can put handwritten thoughts on.
Thank you for your time, and good luck on your first spaceflight assignment!
Follow Jonny Kim on Twitter and Instagram to keep up with his life as NASA astronaut.
Hilary Swank cartwheeling through Mission Control >>> the feel good content we’re looking for.
To get some insight on playing an astronaut going to Mars, Hilary took a trip to Johnson Space Center and spoke with astronaut Jessica Meir who lived aboard the International Space Station for over 200 days!
Watch the duo talk about living in space, life on Earth after a mission and more! Check out her whole visit HERE: https://youtu.be/8NRJvUlpuKI
Curious about how to send research to the International Space Station or how to get involved with NASA missions as a college student? Ask our experts!
Through our Student Payload Opportunity with Citizen Science, or SPOCS, we’re funding five college teams to build experiments for the International Space Station. The students are currently building their experiments focusing on bacteria resistance or sustainability research. Soon, these experiments will head to space on a SpaceX cargo launch! University of Idaho SPOCS team lead Hannah Johnson and NASA STEM on Station activity manager Becky Kamas will be taking your questions in an Answer Time session on Thurs., June 3, from 12-1 p.m. EDT here on our Tumblr! Make sure to ask your question now by visiting http://nasa.tumblr.com/ask.
Hannah Johnson recently graduated from the University of Idaho with a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering. She is the team lead for the university’s SPOCS team, Vandal Voyagers I, designing an experiment to test bacteria-resistant polymers in microgravity. Becky Kamas is the activity manager for STEM on Station at our Johnson Space Center in Houston. She helps connect students and educators to the International Space Station through a variety of opportunities, similar to the ones that sparked her interest in working for NASA when she was a high school student.
Our scientists and engineers work with SPOCS students as mentors, and mission managers from Nanoracks help them prepare their experiments for operation aboard the space station.
The Vandal Voyagers I team has nine student members, six of whom just graduated from the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering. Designing the experiment served as a senior capstone project.
The experiment tests polymer coatings on an aluminum 6061 substrate used for handles on the space station. These handles are used every day by astronauts to move throughout the space station and to hold themselves in place with their feet while they work.
Make sure to follow us on Tumblr for your regular dose of space: http://nasa.tumblr.com.
SDCC BioGIFs: Veronica Mars
Raise your hand if you were so happy to hear about the Veronica Mars surprise reboot that you could’ve wept. It’s been 13 years since our favorite former teen noir was on television. We don’t know what’s in store for our faves this upcoming season, but we did get to catch up with some familiar faces and ask them what they imagined a Veronica Mars biopic would look like.
If there was a biopic made about Veronica Mars, what would it be called?
Kirby Howell-Baptiste:Mars.
What would be the tagline?
Kirby Howell-Baptiste: A town that’s out of this world.
What’s the first thing you remember being a fan of?
Ryan Hansen:Duck Tales and Ninja Turtles.
You’re in a food fight and can only use one type of food. What food do you use and why?
Enrico Colantoni: Apples! Hard, but yet not painful.
Have you ever been starstruck? Who was it?
Enrico Colantoni: Tom Hanks in a film I did with him last year called A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood.
If your character could come to SDCC, who would they cosplay as?
Kirby Howell-Baptiste: I would be Gwendolyn.
What do you geek out about?
Ryan Hansen: I geek out about like, overland stuff, which is so lame.
Is there a subject that you know way too much about?
Enrico Colantoni: The NHL.
What is something that happened on the show that would have to be included in the biopic?
Kirby Howell-Baptiste: Lilly Kane, of course, when she went to college and the college TA was the murderer.