About this Event
An evening with Dr. Charity Woodrum, NASA astrophysicist & JWST scientist
Since the James Webb Space Telescope began beaming back its first images, it has rewritten what we thought we knew about the cosmos — from the earliest galaxies ever seen to the atmospheres of distant worlds. Join Carlton Observatory for an evening with an astrophysicist who works with Webb's data firsthand.
In this Star Talk, shares the most important discoveries since Webb's launch: what the telescope has revealed about how the first galaxies formed, why some galaxies stop making stars, and the surprises that have astonished even the scientists behind the mission. Expect breathtaking images, big questions made clear, and plenty of time for yours.
About the speaker Dr. Charity Woodrum is a NASA Postdoctoral Fellow at Goddard Space Flight Center, working with the James Webb Space Telescope team. She earned her PhD in Astronomy & Astrophysics as a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow at the University of Arizona's Steward Observatory, and her B.S. in Physics at the University of Oregon. Her research explores how galaxies form and evolve across cosmic time. Charity's remarkable journey — from childhood poverty in rural Oregon, through profound personal loss, to a career at NASA — is the subject of the award-winning documentary and has been featured on Radiolab, Oregon Public Broadcasting, and beyond.
Support Woody's Stars Charity also carries forward a mission close to her heart. In memory of her son Woody, she founded the at the Oregon Community Foundation, which helps college students pursuing STEM degrees — especially those who have faced barriers to their education — with scholarships (up to $10,000 per student), mentorship, and hands-on learning opportunities. Learn more about Charity's story at charitywoodrum.com, and consider giving to Woody's Stars at woodysstars.org. Every gift helps another student reach for the stars.
Event details 📅 Wednesday, October 28, 2026 🕖 7:00 PM 📍 North American Aerospace Museum, McMinnville, OR
🎟️ Free for students · $15 general admission — proceeds support Carlton Observatory's astronomy education and community science programs.
Photo & Video Release
Carlton Observatory may take photos and video during this event for use in our marketing materials, social media, website, and promotional content.
You may opt out by filling out this form.
If you are bringing a group, please reach out to [email protected]
Event venue & nearby stays
North American Aerospace Museum, 500 Northeast Captain Michael King Smith Way, McMinnville, United States
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.