Python's Role in Unlocking the Secrets of the Universe with the James Webb Space Telescope

Explore the groundbreaking James Webb Space Telescope and Python's crucial role in its development and data processing in this 44-minute keynote presentation from EuroPython 2022. Delve into the telescope's mission to address fundamental questions in astronomy and astrophysics, including identifying the first stars and galaxies, observing star and planet formation, and analyzing exoplanet atmospheres. Learn about the international collaboration behind the JWST, its successful launch, and current orbit. Discover how Python-based software suites, from instrument simulators to the Webb Calibration Pipeline, transform raw data into science-ready products for researchers worldwide. Gain insights into the preparation and testing processes, and examine the first publicly released images from this revolutionary telescope. Presented by Dr. Patrick Kavanagh, this talk offers a comprehensive overview of the JWST and demonstrates Python's instrumental role in unlocking the secrets of the universe.