Nobel Laureate John Mather and Tony Hull recently delved into the world of astronomy and the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) on the latest episode of It’s (Probably) Not Rocket Science. Mather, the Webb telescope’s senior project scientist emeritus, and Hull, an adjunct professor in the UNM Department of Physics & Astronomy, discussed the groundbreaking images and early results from the telescope.
Mather shed light on the significance of the images captured by the JWST, stating, "The James Webb Space Telescope allows us to see 13.5 billion years into the past and witness the origins of the universe." He explained the importance of these images in expanding our understanding of star birth, galaxy formation, and planetary atmospheres.
During the conversation, Mather also touched upon intriguing topics such as the possibility of discovering extraterrestrial life, the views of astrophysicists on astrology, and even shared insights on the most accurate space movie. According to Mather, the podcast episode promises to offer a unique perspective on these subjects.
In the latter part of the episode, Tony Hull highlighted the collaborative efforts that went into constructing the JWST, involving nearly 20,000 individuals over several decades. Hull, who played a crucial role in polishing the telescope's multi-million dollar mirrors, emphasized the importance of valuing the expertise of the workforce to ensure project success. Reflecting on the meticulous work required in handling the telescope's delicate components, Hull also shared his expertise on maintaining optical devices like cell phones.
The podcast episode, produced for Lobo Day 2024, aims to commemorate the contributions of researchers and academic disciplines that contribute to our understanding of the vast universe. To catch the full episode, viewers can watch it on YouTube or listen to It’s (Probably) Not Rocket Science on platforms like Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
This insightful discussion between Mather and Hull offers a glimpse into the fascinating world of space exploration and the remarkable endeavors that shape our understanding of the cosmos.
