Uploaded September 2019 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Today, September 23rd, is the International Day of Sign Languages. We have key facts about the James Webb Space Telescope translated into 40+ languages, including #AmericanSignLanguage! They were signed by NASA Goddard mission director Apurva Varia. Translation of the ASL is available in 40+ languages here: jwst.nasa.gov/content/features/keyFactsInternational
Note that we have added English closed captioning for those who don't read ASL - but please also note what a rich language ASL is. As a result the caption is not "word for word/sign," but it should still help guide the viewer in interpretation.
English translation:
- Will be the premier space observatory for astronomers worldwide, extending the tantalizing discoveries of the Hubble Space Telescope.
- An international collaboration among NASA, the European Space Agency, and the Canadian Space Agency.
- The largest telescope ever placed in space; 100 times more powerful than Hubble.
- So big it has to fold origami-style to fit in the rocket and will unfold like a “Transformer” in space.
- Has a 5-layer sunshield that protects the telescope from the infrared radiation of the Sun, Earth, and Moon; like having sun protection of SPF 1 million.
- With unprecedented infrared sensitivity, it will peer back in time over 13.5 billion years to see the first galaxies born after the Big Bang.
- Will orbit the Sun 1.5 million kilometers from the Earth. (Hubble orbits 560 kilometers above the Earth.)
Today, September 23rd, is the International Day of Sign Languages. We have key facts about the James Webb Space Telescope translated into 40+ languages, including #AmericanSignLanguage! They were signed by NASA Goddard mission director Apurva Varia. Translation of the ASL is available in 40+ languages here: jwst.nasa.gov/content/features/keyFactsInternational
Note that we have added English closed captioning for those who don't read ASL - but please also note what a rich language ASL is. As a result the caption is not "word for word/sign," but it should still help guide the viewer in interpretation.
English translation:
- Will be the premier space observatory for astronomers worldwide, extending the tantalizing discoveries of the Hubble Space Telescope.
- An international collaboration among NASA, the European Space Agency, and the Canadian Space Agency.
- The largest telescope ever placed in space; 100 times more powerful than Hubble.
- So big it has to fold origami-style to fit in the rocket and will unfold like a “Transformer” in space.
- Has a 5-layer sunshield that protects the telescope from the infrared radiation of the Sun, Earth, and Moon; like having sun protection of SPF 1 million.
- With unprecedented infrared sensitivity, it will peer back in time over 13.5 billion years to see the first galaxies born after the Big Bang.
- Will orbit the Sun 1.5 million kilometers from the Earth. (Hubble orbits 560 kilometers above the Earth.)
