Joseph DePasquale

Principal Science Visuals Developer | Multimedia Composer

I bridge the gap between complex astronomical data and the visual masterpieces that shape our modern understanding of the cosmos. From the deep-field wonders of Webb to the upcoming wide-angle surveys of the Roman Space Telescope, I lead the visual storytelling of our greatest space observatories.

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A collage of images from Webb's first observations showing the Southern Ring Nebula (NGC 3132) on the left panel, Stephan's Quintet (NGC 7317) in the middle panel, and the Carina Nebula (Cosmic Cliffs) on the right panel.

Featured Projects

James Webb Space Telescope: First LightLead Visualizer, Early Release Observations (ERO)I served on the small, specialized team responsible for selecting the telescope's first targets and was among the first humans to process the raw infrared data into the full-color imagery released to the world in 2022.

The Pillars of Creation and the Interplay of Stars and DustVisuals Developer and ComposerA multi-wavelength journey through one of the most famous structures in space. I processed data from Hubble and Webb and composed the original musical score to provide a cinematic, immersive experience. Listen to the composition here:

The Time Magazine cover from the December 5th and 12th double issue of 2022 featuring Photos of the Year with Webb's first deep field image on the cover. The bottom text reads One of the James Webb Space Telescope's first pictures of the distant universe.

Collaborations & Press

Expert contributor for Netflix’s 'Unknown - Cosmic Time Machine,' CBS 60 Minutes, and IMAX’s 'Deep Sky'.
Watch the NBC Today Show segment
Visual consulting with composer Eric Whitacre on Deep Field Film

Public Speaking & Education

Bringing the Universe to EarthI am a frequent guest speaker and educator on the intersection of data, art, and astronomy. I offer talks tailored for universities, planetariums, and media organizations.Key Topics:Processing the Cosmos: A behind-the-scenes look at JWST imaging
The Art of Science: How aesthetics drive scientific outreach
Soundscapes of space: composing music for astronomical visualizations

A vibrant infrared image of the Crab Nebula supernova remnant. A crisp, cage-like structure of fluffy red-orange gas filaments surrounds a ghostly, translucent white interior of synchrotron radiation. At the very center, a tiny, bright white dot marks the

What's Next?

The Next Great Observatory: Nancy Grace RomanIf Hubble and Webb are high-powered magnifying glasses, the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope is our wide-angle lens. Launching in late 2026, Roman will survey the sky 100 times faster than Hubble, uncovering the mysteries of dark energy, exoplanets, and the large-scale structure of our universe.I am developing a visualization pipeline to translate Roman's "data deluge" into scientific imagery. I am preparing to visualize billions of galaxies in a single image, moving from studying individual cosmic objects to mapping the cosmos itself.

A comparison graphic showing the massive wide-field view of the upcoming Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope contrasted against the smaller, deeper fields of the Hubble and Webb telescopes.

A multi-wavelength composite image of the Bullet Cluster (1E 0657-56) showing two colliding galaxy clusters. A dense field of distant, colorful galaxies captured by James Webb’s NIRCam is overlaid with glowing pink clouds representing hot X-ray gas from th

Beyond the Telescopes

Live Performance

As a guitarist and sound designer in several recent Baltimore Rock Opera Society productions, I bring the same passion for epic storytelling to the stage as I do to the cosmos. Whether it’s a complex live score or a collaborative performance, music is my primary medium for expression.

A high-contrast photograph of Joe DePasquale performing on electric guitar during a Baltimore Rock Opera Society production.

Landscape Astrophotography

When I’m not processing data from NASA’s great observatories, I’m often found under dark skies with my own camera. My personal astrophotography focuses on the relationship between our terrestrial landscapes and the vastness of the Milky Way.

A vibrant visible-light image from the Hubble Space Telescope showing the heart of the Lagoon Nebula. A fantasy landscape of ridges, cavities, and mountains of glowing gas and dust is sculpted by intense radiation from the monster young star, Herschel 36,

From the grand scale of the Nancy Grace Roman mission to the intimate stage of a rock opera, I am driven by the power of visual and auditory storytelling. I’m always looking for new ways to bridge the gap between complex science and the human soul. Science tells us what is there; art tells us why it matters. Let’s start a conversation.

Get in touch

For project collaborations, speaking engagements, or media inquiries regarding NASA’s flagship missions.

Joe DePasquale is the Principal Science Visuals Developer in the Office of Public Outreach at the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) in Baltimore, MD.