The Daily A View of the Beginning of Time
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Jul 15, 2022 Kenneth Chang, a science reporter for The New York Times, dives into the wonders unveiled by the James Webb Space Telescope. He captures the excitement of ancient galaxies and newborn stars, discussing the telescope's launch and its cutting-edge technology. Chang highlights the potential for discovering exoplanets and the tantalizing hints of extraterrestrial life. The conversation reflects on the emotional journey of scientists and the groundbreaking nature of these celestial images, painting a vivid picture of our universe.
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Hubble's Blurry Vision
- The Hubble Telescope initially returned blurry images due to a mirror flaw.
- Astronauts had to install corrective lenses, highlighting the risk of such errors.
Webb's One Shot
- The James Webb Telescope's distance from Earth makes repairs impossible.
- Every component must function perfectly on the first try.
Webb's Budget Woes
- The James Webb Telescope project faced significant cost and time overruns.
- Initial estimates of $1.5 billion and a 2007 launch were revised to $8 billion and 2018.