[Q&A] JWST Image Artefacts, TRAPPIST-1 Planets from the Surface, Liquid Glass Space Telescopes

Jun 24, 2025

Curious about JWST images? Explore why NASA chooses to preserve their raw data, artifacts and all. Ever wondered what the TRAPPIST-1 planets would look like from the surface? Answers await! The podcast also tackles ambitious concepts like using a solar gravitational lens to peek into the unobservable universe. Plus, discover the potential of the Nancy Grace Roman telescope and the idea of crafting lenses from liquid glass in microgravity. Join in for a captivating Q&A adventure through the cosmos!

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INSIGHT

TRAPPIST-1 Planets Appear Large

TRAPPIST-1 planets appear several times larger than our Moon due to their close proximity and similar size to Earth.
The planets would be visible as distinct disks to the naked eye, unlike planets appearing as dots from Earth.

INSIGHT

JWST Star Artifacts Explained

Diffraction spikes in JWST images come from its hexagonal mirrors and support struts.
Scientists preserve these artifacts to maintain original data integrity for research.

INSIGHT

Challenges Reaching Solar Gravitational Lens

High speeds at perihelion are temporary and not sustained, limiting missions to the solar gravitational lens.
New propulsion technologies must be tested to enable feasible travel within a human lifetime.

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