Scientists from NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope, also called “Webb” or “JWST,” will participate in panels at the 2023 South by Southwest (SXSW) Conference & Festivals, as well as two local events, from March 12-16 in Austin, Texas. The events include a SXSW keynote panel discussion which will air live on NASA TV on March 14.
The events will connect Webb with attendees and share inspirational Webb updates and accomplishments, as well as the latest science from the observatory.
To learn more about how to experience NASA at SXSW 2023, visit:
https://www.nasa.gov/content/experience-nasa-at-sxsw-2023
The schedule of Webb events is below, with links available for virtual attendance when possible.
Sunday, March 12
12:30-1:30 p.m. EDT: Life, the Universe, and Everything: JWST Answers (SXSW)
Experts will talk about the incredible images and innovations made possible by Webb and what these discoveries mean for the future of humankind.
Speakers will include Camille Elizabeth Bergin from Orbit Fab, Loren Grush from Bloomberg, Kenneth Harris II from The Aerospace Corporation, and Scott Willoughby from Northrop Grumman.
Monday, March 13
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. EDT: Ignite Talks: Music & Tech (SXSW)
Elizabeth Landau, senior communications specialist at NASA Headquarters, will give an “Ignite Talk” about NASA’s audio offerings, including a sonification of a previous Webb image.
Tuesday, March 14
2:00-3:00 p.m. EDT: Keynote – Unfold the Universe: NASA’s Webb Space Telescope (SXSW)
In this SXSW keynote panel, experts will talk about Webb’s latest scientific discoveries and how this observatory will continue to explore the uncharted territories of our cosmos. The panel will coincide with the online release of a never-before-seen Webb image on NASA’s website.
The panel will include Laura Betz, Knicole Colón, Stefanie Milam, and Amber Straughn from NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, as well as Macarena Garcia Marin from ESA (European Space Agency).
The event will be streamed live on NASA TV or here.
Wednesday, March 15
3:00-7:00 p.m. EDT: Exploring the Universe with the James Webb Space Telescope (Austin Central Library)
Webb experts will host this event at the Austin Central Library where people of all ages can learn about Webb and how it observes the universe with its infrared eyes. Webb experts will share the most exciting science discoveries from Webb and what it means to work on this telescope. There will be talks about Webb in English, a Webb talk in Spanish, a Webb Virtual Reality experience, and a session on galaxies with hands-on activities for children.
The speakers will include Quyen Hart from the Space Telescope Science Institute, Elizabeth Landau from NASA Headquarters, and Macarena Garcia Marin from ESA.
For more on this event, please see here.
Thursday, March 16
6:30-7:30 p.m. EDT: Women’s History Month Panel with NASA’s Webb Space Telescope (Bullock Texas State History Museum)
This event will feature a panel talk with Webb scientists as part of a Women’s History Month celebration hosted by the Bullock Texas State History Museum in Austin, Texas.
The panel will include Laura Betz, Knicole Colón, Stefanie Milam, and Amber Straughn from NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, as well as Macarena Garcia Marin from ESA.
For more information about Webb, visit:
Peter Sooy
NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center