15 chapters across the catalog
New images from the James Webb Space Telescope are reportedly challenging established cosmological models regarding the expansion of the universe. Observations suggesting that distant galaxies appear smaller than predicted have led some astronomers to question the validity of the Big Bang theory and the current understanding of universal evolution.
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson rejected a petition from over 1,200 astronomers to rename the James Webb Space Telescope. The controversy stems from allegations that James Webb participated in the "Lavender Scare" purging of LGBTQ employees during the Truman administration. Activists on "Democracy Now" argue the name casts a pall over the scientific community.
Great Conjunction of 2020, Star of Bethlehem Comparison
The upcoming astronomical conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn on December 21st is discussed. Some observers compare it to the "Star of Bethlehem," leading to lighthearted speculation about its significance for current political events.
Elon Musk Starlink Satellites and Tesla Ground Stations
Elon Musk's Starlink project has launched over 180 satellites into low Earth orbit, with plans for a total of 12,000. Astronomers have complained that the satellites' brightness is interfering with scientific observations. Speculation arises that Tesla vehicles may eventually serve as mobile ground stations or downlinks for the Starlink global internet network.
Asteroid 2019 OK whizzed past Earth at 54,000 miles per hour, coming within 45,000 miles of the planet—less than a fifth of the distance to the moon. Astronomers had not been tracking the rock, which was several hundred feet across, making the "uncomfortably close" flyby a surprise to the scientific community.
Cliff Stoll discusses his experience giving a TED Talk, explaining his "moving target" strategy of jumping around the stage to keep the audience engaged. He recounts being told to compress an hour-long presentation into 18 minutes, which he achieved by simply talking faster. Stoll jokes that he learned in graduate school to speak quickly so people wouldn't realize he wasn't saying anything of substance.
Proxima B Discovery and Scientific Rendering Skepticism
ABC News reports on the discovery of Proxima B, an Earth-like planet orbiting the star nearest to the Sun. The hosts express skepticism toward the "artist renderings" used in the report, comparing them to 1990s-era software like KPT Bryce. They argue that presenting speculative visual data as scientific fact is a disservice to the public and serves only to create sensationalist headlines.
Marfa Local Color and the Hubble Telescope Gaffe
The hosts discuss the technical challenges of large telescopes, including the need for liquid nitrogen cooling and temperature adjustments. They recall the famous "gaffe" where the Hubble Space Telescope's mirror was ground incorrectly, requiring a space shuttle mission to install corrective optics. Adam Curry also mentions his travel route through Junction, Texas, on the way to Marfa.
Kepler Space Telescope, Alien Solar Panels Theory
Astronomers using the Kepler Space Telescope reported unexplained flickering light from a star 1,500 light-years away. Penn State researcher Jason Wright suggested the possibility of a massive alien-built structure, such as a Dyson swarm of solar panels, causing the light fluctuations.
Giant Magellan Telescope and the Moon Dime Myth
The Giant Magellan Telescope (GMT), set for completion in Chile in 2021, is described as being ten times more powerful than the Hubble. A claim is made regarding a dime allegedly left on the moon by Neil Armstrong, which the telescope could theoretically focus on, though the story is met with skepticism.
An engineer's note clarifies that NASA's Kepler satellite does not use a traditional camera but a light meter to detect variations in stellar brightness. These "dips" in light are used to estimate the diameter and orbit of potential planets, but other details reported by NASA are characterized as supposition. The segment questions the validity of NASA's claims regarding habitable "Earth-like" planets.
National Assessment of Educational Progress and 1960s Civics
A report from the Education Department reveals that only a quarter of eighth graders are proficient in history, civics, and geography. The hosts joke that this lack of knowledge is not new, playing Sam Cooke's "Wonderful World," and share an anecdote about a modern astronomy class that never used a telescope.
A viral clip from QVC features two presenters arguing over whether the moon is a planet or a star. One presenter insists the moon is a planet, while the other suggests it might be a star, eventually concluding "it's a moon." The hosts use the clip to highlight a perceived decline in basic scientific literacy.
Asteroid YU 55, which is roughly the size of an aircraft carrier, is scheduled to pass Earth at a distance closer than the moon. NASA has mapped its path, and experts suggest that if it were to hit Earth, it could destroy a city the size of North London. The hosts discuss why the object will not be visible to the naked eye.
The destruction of a U.S. satellite near Hawaii coincided with reports of a meteor impact in Washington State. While the FAA issued notices to airmen (NOTAMs) regarding a danger zone in the Pacific, pilots in the Pacific Northwest reported seeing a bright object impact the ground, leading to speculation about whether the events were related.
