After years of planning, testing, and assembly, the James Webb Space Telescope, the world's largest infrared, space-based observatory, is taking shape.

Randy Showstack
Randy Showstack, senior news writer for Eos.org, reports on policy, politics, and discovery in the areas of Earth and space science and the environment. His coverage ranges from climate change and frontiers of ocean and space research to actions by federal and international agencies, the White House, Congress, and the Supreme Court.
Oil, Coal Industry Leaders Fault Obama Policies at Energy Forum
In a review of the energy industry, fossil fuel industry leaders said they are fighting federal policies. The solar industry recently benefited from a 5-year tax credit.
Arctic States Nearing Science Cooperation Pact
Negotiations are focusing on removing obstacles to conducting research rather than on setting international scientific priorities. Research priorities among Arctic nations already overlap considerably, according to a U.S. negotiator.
United States Still First in Science, Tech Research Spending
Although federal funding of science and engineering research has fallen behind inflation, private sector investment remains high, reports the U.S. National Science Board in its latest update.
Obama Says Combating Climate Change Aids Earth and U.S. Economy
In his seventh and final State of the Union address, President Obama touts alternative-energy gains during his tenure, urges a quicker shift from fossil fuels, and mocks climate change skeptics.
New NOVA TV Show Explores Coevolution of Rocks and Life
Mineralogist Robert Hazen and other scientists probe connections between living organisms and rocks in "Life's Rocky Start," which premieres tonight on PBS stations around the United States.
Special Delivery: Post Office to Issue Space-Themed Stamps
Letter writers will be able to adorn their envelopes this year with full-disk images of the planets, Pluto, and the full Moon, as well as Star Trek icons.
Group Pushes for Using Earth Observations in Decision Making
Earth observation "system of systems" could help with disaster resilience, sustainability, and other objectives beneficial to society, according to one organization.
NSF Director Cautions Against Politicizing Science
France Córdova says that elected officials are generally supportive of science and technology but that the political environment can be challenging.
Gore Calls Paris a Good Start on Climate, but More Action Needed
The former U.S. vice president said the Paris agreement offers hope for stabilizing the climate. He also discussed Earth observation instruments used to monitor and understand the planet.