Institute for Earth and Space Exploration at Western University

Today’s NASA Astronomy Picture of the Day is brought you by Western astronomers!

The image, collected by Western University astronomers Jan Cami, Els Peeters and their team is of the Planetary nebula Tc 1, located more than 10,000 light-years away. Captured by the James Webb Space Telescope, the image shows the structure of a planetary nebula first linked to carbon molecules, known as 'buckyballs.'

Learn more here: https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/astropix.html

Hard to believe it's already been two weeks since this year’s Science Rendezvous!

We had a blast sharing the engineering and science behind the Skylark CubeSat, taking everyone on Artemis II's historic journey around the Moon, and sharing a piece of the Moon with you! We look forward to sharing this experience again with you next year.

Fifteen years after a team of Western University astronomers led by professor Jan Cami first discovered ‘buckyballs’ in space (soccer ball-shaped molecules that resemble a hollow sphere) using the NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration Spitzer Space Telescope, the team has returned with the James Webb Space Telescope, revealing the first-ever detailed view of the planetary nebula - with spectacular results.

Read the full article here:

Western astronomers reveal spectacular birthplace of cosmic buckyballs A Western University team has returned to the planetary nebula Tc 1 armed with more data from the JWST’s Mid-Infrared Instrument to capture the first-ever detailed view of buckyballs in space.

On this Earth Day, join us in celebration of our Pale Blue Dot and the interdisciplinary endeavours of space exploration that work together to show us how special our home planet is.

This has been a historical year for our species, and carrying that momentum forward to enact positive change is a great way to celebrate today. Western Space is proud to be part of the Western campaign that is striving to preserve and protect our shared environment for generations to come.

To learn more about the campaign and how you can contribute to change, click here: https://allin.westernu.ca/

Western Space is pleased to be a participating vendor at Science Rendezvous 2026! Check us out on May 9 to learn more about our interdisciplinary research projects, student opportunities, and how Western is contributing to launching research into space!

Follow Science Rendezvous - Western University for more information.

Seven individuals and one interdepartmental team are being honoured with the 2025 Western Award of Excellence for contributions ranging from providing exceptional continuity of service to exemplary leadership - including Courtney Swinden, Western Space's very own Research Institute Administrator. Since the establishment of Western Space in 2019, Courtney has been vital to its growth and success.

The award is the highest campus-wide recognition for staff, presented to those who reflect the university’s values of integrity, respect and commitment to service.

Read the full article here: https://news.westernu.ca/2026/04/western-award-of-excellence/

The historic launch of Artemis II is only a day away, and onboard is London, Ontario astronaut, Jeremy Hansen. 🚀

Hansen will make history as the first Canadian to travel to the Moon. Western University Earth Science PhD student Jack Hostrawser was recently interviewed by CTV News as part of an article on the importance of returning to our nearest celestial neighbour, Hansen's links to the Forest City, and what to expect over his 10-day journey to the Moon.

Check out the full article here: https://www.ctvnews.ca/london/article/the-canadian-connection-artemis-ii-launch-days-away-with-london-ont-astronaut-aboard/