JWST Observations of AGB Stars in Nearby Galaxies - Studies of Dust Production and Composition

Explore groundbreaking observations of Asymptotic Giant Branch (AGB) stars through a 30-minute scientific talk that delves into their role as significant dust contributors to the Interstellar Medium. Learn about previous Spitzer-era surveys of nearby galaxies in the infrared spectrum, with particular emphasis on AGB stars in the Magellanic Clouds, and discover how the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is revolutionizing our understanding of these celestial objects. Gain insights into how JWST's advanced capabilities enable the study of more distant galaxies, expanding research into varying metallicities and providing comprehensive samples of these rare, short-lived stellar phases. The presentation by Dr. Martha Boyer from the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) bridges past infrared studies with current JWST observations, offering a detailed examination of AGB dust composition and production rates across different galactic environments.