Tue. 12/21 - Why the Webb Telescope Launch Is Freaking Out Astronomers

<p><strong><em>The James Webb Space Telescope is launching on Friday. Here’s what to expect, and why astronomers are so stressed out about it. Plus, Scotland may soon be issuing a three centuries overdue pardon to victims of its many witchcraft trials. And when the snowstorms come this season, your town might just be de-icing the roads with beet juice.</em></strong></p><p>Sponsors:</p><ul><li>GiveWell, Have your donation matched up to $250 by entering Kottke Ride Home at check out at <a href="https://www.givewell.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">GiveWell.org</a></li><li>Shopify, Get a 14-day free trial at <a href="http://shopify.com/kottke" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">shopify.com/kottke</a></li></ul><p>Links:</p><ul><li><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2021/12/20/science/webb-telescope-astronomy.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Webb Telescope Approaches Launch, With an Eye Toward Cosmic Origins</a> (NY Times)</li><li><a href="https://theconversation.com/james-webb-space-telescope-how-our-launch-of-worlds-most-complex-observatory-will-rest-on-a-nail-biting-knife-edge-173619" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">James Webb Space Telescope: how our launch of world's most complex observatory will rest on a nail-biting knife edge</a> (The Conversation)</li><li><a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/specials/webb-telescope-launch/index.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Watch this space: New telescope to unlock mysteries of the cosmos</a> (NBC News)</li><li><a href="https://slate.com/technology/2021/12/james-webb-telescope-launch-astronomers-risk.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Astronomers are freaking out over the launch of the James Webb telescope.</a> (Slate)</li><li><a href="https://www.npr.org/2021/09/30/1041707730/shadowed-by-controversy-nasa-wont-rename-new-space-telescope" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">NASA refuses to rename James Webb Space Telescope</a> (NPR)</li><li><a href="https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-se