This week we have another longform episode! David got a little obsessed with the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) a few months ago and spent hours and hours researching and talking to experts so that he can try to explain it here on the podcast for Marques and Andrew. This one is a little dense but if you're even remotely interested in the mysteries of our universe this one is for you. David explains why the JWST is such a big deal and what we hope to discover once it begins sending back pictures.Special thanks to:Paul GeithnerDr. Jonathan McDowellDr. Peter GaoTim DoddSources:How James Webb Orbits NothingWebb vs Hubble (NASA)Fine Guidance Sensor (NASA)JWST FAQ (NASA)Where is Webb? (NASA)Webb Orbit (NASA)Webb Sunshield (NASA)Webb Mirrors (NASA)Twitters:https://twitter.com/wvfrmhttps://twitter.com/mkbhdhttps://twitter.com/andymanganellihttps://twitter.com/adamlukas17https://twitter.com/DurvidImelInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/wvfrmpodcast/Shop the merch:shop.mkbhd.comJoin the Discord:https://discord.gg/mkbhdMusic by 20syl:https://bit.ly/2S53xlCWaveform is part of the Vox Media Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dr. Jonathan McDowell, an astrophysicist from the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, discusses the escalating issue of space debris and its implications. The conversation delves into how satellite proliferation, particularly from companies like Starlink, has intensified debris challenges. McDowell emphasizes the complexities of tracking this junk and the potential military ramifications of anti-satellite tech. He also highlights innovative solutions and collaborative efforts needed to tackle this growing environmental crisis in orbit.

Leah and Chelsea discuss the idea of destroying the moon with astrophysicist Jonathan McDowell and Haym Benaroya. They explore methods such as splitting it with lasers, explosives, and space tugs, and discuss the consequences of having moon fragments orbiting Earth. They also explore the impact of having two moons on tides and the visual aesthetics of the night sky.