Are you an artist? If so, NASA has a unique opportunity to view the amazing and aesthetic scientific marvel that is the James Webb Space Telescope.

Webb has a mirror that is nearly 22 feet high and (to optimize it for infrared observations) is covered in a microscopic layer of actual gold.

Because of Webb’s visually striking appearance, NASA is hosting a special viewing event on Nov. 2 at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md. Artists are invited to apply to attend.

Participants will have the opportunity to:

• Hear an introduction to the telescope and what it will help us to learn about the universe
• Talk with experts about the engineering challenges with building such a cutting-edge mission
• Get a behind-the-scenes tour of the center’s satellite integration and testing facilities.
• See the James Webb Space Telescope in person, and be given block of time to actively create.
• Share what they see and hear and create on their own social media platforms.

The goal of this Artist Event is to allow artist attendees to set up their supplies for their artistic medium of choice right in front of the telescope itself, and be given time to create. This can include things like sketching, drawing, painting, photography, and digital art. Artists who work in non-visual artistic media are also invited to apply. While creative works do not have to be finished in the time allotted, NASA intends to display the finished products at minimum in an online gallery. NASA is also investigating the possibility of a live event to showcase the works created as well.

For a list of rules, and to submit an application, click here: http://www.nasa.gov/feature/goddard/2016/nasa-invites-artists-to-visit-james-webb-space-telescope The deadline to apply is noon EDT on Oct. 25. All applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Source: NASA