Image from NASA’s Flickr account. See more here.

Members & guests – free; complimentary parking provided by our sponsor, Belmont Village Senior Living Lincoln Park.

Online RSVP for this program has ended; to join please contact the Village office at 773.248.8700.

Although this program is presented by the Village Men’s Group, people of all genders are welcome to attend! 

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is a $10 billion quest for knowledge.  Presenter Chris Murray will discuss why JWST is the 8^th Wonder of the World and promises to revolutionize the study of the early universe and the universe as we see it today.  In less than one year of operation, the scientific insights have vastly exceeded expectations.  The fact that the telescope was actually built, launched, and now serves science is nothing less than a miracle.

The presentation will do more than show “pretty pictures.” Mr. Murray will show why JWST is so important scientifically and why literally every astrophysicist in the world is now hoping to use JWST data to further their specific research goals.  Avoiding unnecessary scientific jargon, Mr. Murry will challenge the audience to grasp some elements of cosmic evolution and how JWST will help to shed light on so many unsolved mysteries that still abound in our universe.

About our presenter: Chris Murray holds a BS in Engineering from Purdue University and an MBA from Stanford University (where he met his wife of 55 years, Anita). Following his early career in software engineering with Exxon, Ross Perot at Electronic Data Systems, and Citibank, he found his life’s main endeavor as founder and CEO of ABT Corporation, an international technology business specializing in project and resource management software and services. For the last last 20 years Mr. Murray has served on an advisory council for Princeton’s Department of Astrophysical Sciences. In 2003 he produced for Princeton a video documentary  detailing one of the major scientific achievements in astronomy – the WMAP satellite. For the last 10 years he has owned and operated a research grade astronomy observatory in New Mexico – used primarily for astrophotography and science education outreach, and has produced an international biannual conference for astro photographers highlighting the latest image processing techniques and advances in astronomy equipment and service.

With special thanks to our host, Belmont Village!