Author John Sell contributes $300 and requests permission to include references to the No Agenda podcast in his fictional book series, "Bastion's Gate." The novel's plot involves themes of astrophysics and skepticism toward "settled science."
12 chapters across the catalog
Author John Sell contributes $300 and requests permission to include references to the No Agenda podcast in his fictional book series, "Bastion's Gate." The novel's plot involves themes of astrophysics and skepticism toward "settled science."
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.
James Webb Space Telescope Mirror Alignment Issues
NASA reports that the 18 segments of the James Webb Space Telescope's main mirror are currently out of alignment and will require months of "jiggling" to fix. Unlike the Hubble, the telescope is a million miles away and cannot be serviced by astronauts. The hosts expressed skepticism about the "live animated" visualizations used by NASA, jokingly comparing the device to a "GoldenEye" laser.
A Japanese H-IIA rocket successfully launched a British communications satellite, maintaining a 98% success rate. Meanwhile, the James Webb Space Telescope was launched by the European Space Agency, amid minor controversy regarding its namesake's historical record.
James Webb Space Telescope, NASA, LGBTQ Naming Controversy
NASA is preparing to launch the James Webb Space Telescope from French Guiana, a project described as having 300 single points of failure. The telescope faces controversy from the LGBTQ community due to its namesake’s role in the Truman administration’s discrimination against gay employees. The hosts discuss the technical risks of the "origami observatory" which cannot be repaired once in orbit.
Giant Magellan Telescope, Moon Dimes and Political Defeatism
A fundraiser for the Giant Magellan Telescope in Chile denied making previous claims about seeing a dime left on the moon by Neil Armstrong. The social event also highlighted a sense of defeatism among liberal voters regarding the 2016 presidential election.
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.
Hovercraft Telescopes and the Saturday Night Debate
Adam Curry describes the "hovercraft" mechanism used to rotate the massive 10-meter telescope at the McDonald Observatory. The discussion then shifts back to the Democratic primary debate on CBS, which suffered from low ratings due to its Saturday night time slot. The hosts suggest the timing was a deliberate attempt to minimize viewership for the "three duds" on stage.
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.
Astronomical Observations and Scientific Skepticism
The conversation shifts to the technical capabilities of the McDonald Observatory and the use of "corner cubes" to align telescopes. Personal anecdotes about viewing Saturn's moons through homemade telescopes are shared.
Austin Astronomical Society Star Party and Telescope Experiences
Adam Curry describes an exclusive star party near Bee Caves, Austin, featuring the Austin Astronomical Society. He recounts looking through high-powered, homebrew telescopes to view Jupiter and its moons, marking his first time using a telescope in decades. The event concluded with a musical performance by Dana Falkenberry in a wooded setting.
Moon Rising Documentary and NASA Photo Manipulation
Adam Curry recommends the documentary "Moon Rising," which claims to show colorized NASA photos revealing moon bases and light disks. The film argues that NASA has systematically manipulated lunar photography to hide extraterrestrial structures. Dvorak remains skeptical of the "space elevator" and moon base claims.
