Into the Impossible With Brian Keating

Q&A with John Mather on the James Webb Space Telescope (#382)

Dec 30, 2023

John Mather, senior project scientist of the James Webb Space Telescope, answers frequently asked questions about the telescope. Topics include potential for discovering rocky planets, uniformity of the universe, viewing the TRAPPIST-1 system, future self-replicating telescopes, studying Europa, and Webb's role in exoplanet detection.

26:20

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Episode guests

John Mather

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Quick takeaways

The James Webb Space Telescope is instrumental in our quest to understand the origins of the universe and explore the possibility of life on other planets.

The advanced technology of the James Webb Space Telescope enables the study of exoplanets and their atmospheres, opening up new possibilities for discovering Earth-like planets nearby.

Deep dives

Exploring the Origins of our Universe and the Search for Extraterrestrial Life

This podcast episode delves into two fascinating questions: Where did we come from, and are we alone in the universe? The speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the origins of our universe and the formation of our own planet Earth. While acknowledging the vastness of the cosmos and the likelihood of other planets existing, the podcast highlights the mystery surrounding the discovery of solar systems similar to ours. The existence of certain types of planets and the growth of gigantic black holes are discussed as ongoing mysteries in scientific research. The podcast further touches on the potential for uncovering life on Mars and in other locations in our solar system. Ultimately, the importance of the Web Telescope's mission to answer these fundamental questions is emphasized.

Introduction

2min

Working on the James Webb Space Telescope

10min

Prioritizing Observations for the James Webb Space Telescope

2min

Lifespan of the James Webb Space Telescope and Potential for Self-Replicating Telescopes

2min

Studying Europa and Exoplanets with Webb

10min

Concluding Remarks and Podcast Recommendation

2min

The James Webb Space Telescope is a monumental step forward in our pursuit of understanding the Universe and its origins. Here today, to answer the most frequently asked questions about the telescope, is the senior project scientist himself, John Cromwell Mather!

John is an astrophysicist and cosmologist of the highest rank. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics for his work on the Cosmic Background Explorer Satellite COBE along with his colleague George Smoot. Now, he’s exploring the early Universe via the JWST.

Tune in!

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