Explore the Wonders of the Universe
Join us for stargazing events at our observatory, and visit us at Church on Sunday's at 10:30.
Discover the Wonders of Valmont Observatory -
Presentation on the James Webb Space Telescope
Valmont Church Observatory: Celebrating the James Webb Space Telescope
From the quiet work of observing the heavens, to the daring engineering required to reach them, astronomy has always been both a spiritual invitation and a scientific endeavor. At Valmont Observatory, we gather to look outward—toward the night sky—and to reflect on what it reveals. In this spirit, we turn our attention to a milestone in modern astronomy: the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST).
A telescope designed for the universe’s earliest light
The James Webb Space Telescope was built to answer a set of questions that older instruments could not fully reach. JWST is especially powerful for studying faint, distant objects—galaxies forming early in the history of the universe—and for observing how light changes as it travels through space. Its observing strategy relies on sophisticated infrared capability, allowing it to detect heat-like signatures of astronomical objects and to “see” through regions of space where visible light is blocked. But Webb’s capabilities do not come from optics alone. They depend on an integrated system of technologies—precision structures, thermal control, detectors, and pointing systems—working together as one.
Why engineering was everything
When we think of a telescope, we often imagine the view: a clear image, a spectrum of light, data that helps answer questions about stars and galaxies. Yet JWST’s most critical story is the one behind that view—the engineering effort required to make the mission succeed.
Because JWST operates far from Earth, it must be stable and reliable in conditions no ground-based instrument could replicate. The telescope had to be built to survive launch vibrations, to unfold and align with extreme precision once in space, and to keep its instruments cold enough for infrared detection. That means the mission depends on solving problems across many fabrication and alignment disciplines—problems where small errors can cascade into mission-wide consequences. In other words, the telescope’s “vision” required manufacturing discipline and end-to-end problem solving.
The Valmont Observatory Group’s role in Webb’s fabrication challenges
We are grateful that members of the Valmont Observatory Group were involved in the fabrication and engineering challenges connected to the Webb telescope. Their contributions represent a remarkable intersection of community and cosmos: people working carefully in practical engineering tasks, helping to enable a spacecraft that will study the universe on scales and timelines far beyond our daily experience.
It’s a powerful reminder that major scientific achievements are rarely the product of a single idea. They are the result of many hands, many skills, and many iterations—people tackling real-world constraints, refining measurements, and ensuring that every part can perform as designed.
For our group, this participation is not simply technical accomplishment. It is also a form of witness: an affirmation that careful workmanship, patience, and problem-solving are forms of service. Whether someone is testing components, refining fabrication processes, or supporting engineering solutions, their work helps bring Webb’s instruments to readiness—so that the mission can return data that will inspire researchers and the public for years to come.
Stay Tuned for Upcoming Information on our Presentation of JWST at Valmont
Research Areas
Discover the research areas and projects conducted by the Valmont Observatory researchers. Learn about the cutting-edge technologies and methods used in our studies of exoplanets, dark matter, and cosmology. The observatory's founder worked on the Hubble and James Webb telescopes, as well as numerous other scientific missions for NASA and the European Space Agency.
Education Resources
In August of 2025, the VOG hosted the Boy and Girls Scouts from Boulder for a memorable event. The event kicked off with pizza and a warm welcome from our club members, who shared their passion for astronomy with the young scouts. We started with a presentation on Astronomy and science and the potential for careers and sharing the love of astronomy.
We shared stories of famous astronomers and connected the evening’s observations to the scouts’ merit badge requirements, ensuring the experience was both educational and rewarding. The Boulder Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts brought incredible energy to the event, and their enthusiasm reminded us all why we love sharing our passion for astronomy. The event was a testament to the power of community collaboration, blending the scouts’ adventurous spirit with our club’s dedication to exploring the cosmos.
Contact us for homeschooling, scouting or other educational opportunities.
Join the Community
Join the Valmont Observatory community and participate in our events, discussions, and collaborations. Connect with fellow astronomy enthusiasts and researchers from around the world.
Church and Science?
Valmont Observatory Group
• Why Does a Church Have an Observatory?
• The More Science Unravels the Mysteries of the Universe, the More it is Clear God Created the Heavens and the Earth
- The Strickler-Crowe Observatory and the Travis Telescope Has Been Dedicated as an Outreach to the Community and Benefit to Members for Our Edification and Enjoyment
- The Boulder Area is a Center for Scientific Research and Development, We Believe Our Observatory Will Attract Interest and Stimulate Discussions About Faith and Science
Astro Photography at Valmont
Helix Nebula - Taken at Valmont
M24 Star Cloud in Sagittarius
Fireworks Galaxy - 120 Minute Exposure - Taken at Valmont
Lagoon Nebula (M8) Taken At Valmont
M13- Globular Cluster in Hercules
M81 and M82 - Galaxies in Ursa Major - Taken at Valmont