SETI Talks: Astronomy in Space: From Hubble to Roman - Livestream

Telescopes are placed into orbit around Earth or are sent farther out into space to get a clearer view of the universe.

Thirty years ago, the U.S. launched the famous Hubble Space Telescope, whose unique design allowed astronauts to repair and upgrade it in space using advanced technology. It is one of the NASA’s longest-living and most valuable space-based observatories, beaming transformational astronomical images to Earth for decades. Hubble has fundamentally changed our understanding of the cosmos, and its story - filled with challenges overcome by innovation, determination, and the human spirit - inspires us.

The newly named Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope - or Roman Space Telescope, (formerly known as WFIRST) - is set to launch in the mid-2020s. It will investigate long-standing astronomical mysteries, such as the force behind the universe’s expansion and search for distant planets beyond our solar system. The Roman Space Telescope project passed a critical programmatic and technical milestone in February, earning the official green light to begin hardware development and testing.

We invited two scientists whose careers have been strongly connected with space telescopes to discuss the Hubble Space Telescope’s success and the potential of the upcoming Roman Space Telescope:

• Professor Meg Urry, Director of the Yale Center for Astronomy and Astrophysics, studies the growth of supermassive black holes over cosmic time to understand their co-evolution with galaxies by using multiple space telescopes.
• Dr. John Grunsfeld, an astrophysicist and astronaut went on three Space Shuttle flights to repair and upgrade the Hubble Space Telescope, including eight spacewalks. /ul>

These scientists will discuss their contribution to the Hubble Space Telescope's scientific and technological endeavor and what they expect from the future Roman telescope and the future of NASA space telescopes at large.

Molly Bentley, executive producer and co-host of the radio program and podcast, Big Picture Science, will moderate the talk.

Register at weblink to obtain connection information.