This looks like a fun opportunity! Karen From: Quyen Hart <qhart@stsci.edu> Sent: Monday, May 3, 2021 1:08 PM To: Karen Peterson <kpeterson@ngcproject.org> Cc: Marisa Garcia <mgarcia@ngcproject.org> Subject: Share Webb Launch engagement opportunity with NGCP networks? Dear Karen, The James Webb Space Telescope is planned to launch on October 31, 2021. The Space Telescope Science Institute will be the mission and science operations center for this ground-breaking new observatory. We are very excited over here and know that the public will be as well. Can you share the following information with your network leads and/or list of organizations, who can then share it out to their local networks? The application of interest is due on May 16th. We plan on announcing this opportunity at the GSAWN webinar next Tuesday too. Thank you for your support. Best, Quyen Hart SUBJECT: Announcement of Opportunity – Launch Engagement for the James Webb Space Telescope As a valued partner in bringing exciting developments in astronomy to the public, we at NASA’s Universe of Learning would like to make you aware of the opportunity to take part in celebrating the launch NASA’s largest, most complex observatory ever. The James Webb Space Telescope, launching in fall 2021, is an orbiting infrared observatory that will complement and extend the legacy of other space-based telescopes to push the boundaries of human knowledge even further, to the formation of the first galaxies and the horizons of distant worlds in other solar systems. NASA can support museums, science centers, planetariums, public libraries, nature centers, visitor’s centers, zoos, art galleries, community centers, and other non-profit organizations that communicate or wish to communicate science to the public. NASA can 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. NASA particularly encourages institutions that engage populations or communities that are traditionally underrepresented or underserved in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) to apply. To host a NASA-supported event for the Webb launch, please see details and fill out the linked form before May 16: https://outerspace.stsci.edu/display/WSTCE Sites designated as “official NASA sites” receiving support will be based on a combination of: * 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 -------------------------------------------------- Quyen N. Hart, Ph.D. Pronouns: she, her, hers Senior Education and Outreach Scientist Office of Public Outreach Space Telescope Science Institute 667-218-6509 --------------------------------------------------