Today, Explained The James Webb Time Machine
Jan 19, 2022
Brian Resnick, a senior science reporter and expert on space exploration, dives into the fascinating realm of the James Webb Space Telescope. He discusses how observing distant light allows us to witness ancient cosmic events, akin to an archaeological dig of the universe's history. Resnick highlights the transformative journey from the Big Bang to the emergence of starlight and explores the future of astronomy with innovative telescope designs. He emphasizes our deep connection to the universe, reminding us that we are made of stardust.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Hubble's Deep Field Risk
- Robert Williams, in charge of Hubble in the 90s, took a risk by pointing it at a blank patch of sky for 10 days.
- This was unconventional, as astronomers typically point telescopes at pre-selected objects of study.
Hubble Deep Field as a Time Machine
- The Hubble Deep Field image, filled with galaxies, reveals layers of time like a core sample of Earth.
- This allows scientists to study galaxies at different stages of the universe's history.
Galaxy Evolution
- Galaxies in the Hubble Deep Field change in shape over time, from elegant spirals to irregular blobs.
- This is because their light has taken billions of years to reach us, showing us their past.