From artificial limbs to memory foam, many inventions have emerged from our quest to understand the cosmos.

In this episode we explore cosmic history, space's impact on technology, and the enduring human fascination with space exploration. To take us on this journey is astrophysicist John Mather, a Nobel Prize winner for his work on the COBE satellite and a key figure in the James Webb Space Telescope project.

Prepare to be intrigued and left with a sense of wonder about the universe's influence on our world.

Topics Covered:

00:00 – Innovations through the pursuit of space

03:52– John’s early life

06:44 – Proving The Big Bang Theory

13:30 – The mysteries of quantum mechanics

15:10 – Leading the James Webb Telescope

17:12 – Images from James Webb

20:32 – Are we alone?

24:20 – New telescopes

25:18 – Engineering in space for earth

29:31 – What would you like to see solved in your lifetime?

32:24 – What came before The Big Bang?

25:04 – Misconceptions about space

37:17 – Can humans be a multiplanetary species?

38:20 - Private vs public spending in space

40:24 – What’s the future of space exploration?

Resources:

COBE satellite imagery: https://www.nasa.gov/topics/universe/features/cobe_20th.html
Images from the James Webb Telescope: https://webbtelescope.org/images
Exoplanet transmission spectrum: https://webbtelescope.org/contents/media/images/2022/032/01G72VSFW756JW5SXWV1HYMQK4

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Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures.

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