StarTalk: James Webb Space Telescope Edition

Hosted by Neil deGrasse Tyson with guest Matt Kirshen and special guests Nathaniel Kahn and Natalie Batalha.

Introduction

• Host: Neil deGrasse Tyson, astrophysicist.
• Guest: Matt Kirshen, host of Probably Science podcast.
• Main topic: James Webb Space Telescope (JWST).

James Webb Space Telescope (JWST)

• Planned for over two decades.
• Infrared telescope designed to observe the edges of the universe and find exoplanets.
• Collaborative effort between NASA, the Canadian Space Agency, and the European Space Agency.

Documentary: "The Hunt for Planet B"

• Directed by Nathaniel Kahn.
• Focuses on the making of JWST and the team behind its creation.
• Highlights the engineering and scientific community involved in the project.

Interview with Nathaniel Kahn

• JWST as the largest space telescope and science mission undertaken by NASA.

  • Involved thousands of people over two decades.
  • Designed to be extremely precise with one chance of deployment due to its position at L2 (1 million miles from Earth).

• Comparison with Hubble Space Telescope:

  • Hubble was fixable because it was designed for astronaut repairs; JWST is not.

• Documentary Insights:

  • Focus on engineering feats and scientific aspirations.
  • Shift in the field of astrophysics with more women entering the field, particularly in exoplanet studies.

Science Goals of JWST

• Observing the first galaxies and stars formed in the universe.
• Examining exoplanet atmospheres for signs of life.
• Analyzing star-forming regions and protoplanetary disks.

Interview with Natalie Batalha

• Background: Professor at UC Santa Cruz, involved in exoplanet research through Kepler and now JWST.

• Kepler Space Telescope's Contributions:

  • Discovered over 4000 exoplanets.
  • Provided demographic data on planet diversity.

• JWST's Enhanced Capabilities:

  • Infrared observations to study exoplanet atmospheres.
  • Understanding the diversity of planets outside our solar system.

Questions from Listeners

• Confidence in JWST's Deployment:

  • High stakes, but confidence in the engineering and problem-solving abilities of scientists.

• Science Priorities for JWST:

  • Addressing questions about exoplanet diversity.
  • Observing early universe galaxies and formations.

• Impacts on the Public and Science Community:

  • Expected to inspire like Hubble, but with focus on infrared observations.
  • Webb will contribute to understanding of cosmic beginnings and potential for life beyond Earth.

Closing Remarks

• JWST represents a major leap in astrophysical research and has the potential to reshape our understanding of the universe in unprecedented ways.
• The documentary "The Hunt for Planet B" provides a personal and detailed look at the human endeavor behind this scientific mission.
• Anticipation for future discoveries and insights from JWST's data and observations.