Fingers Crossed for the James Webb Space Telescope - Sixty Symbols

Professor Mike Merrifield discusses the James Webb Telescope, which is due to launch soon.
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This project features scientists from The University of Nottingham


Sixty Symbols videos by Brady Haran

[msonmiller]

The JWST is so powerful that it will be able to see things that happened shortly after the JWST was commissioned

[tjzambonischwartz]

I've been following the development of the JWST when it was still being referred to as the "Next Generation Space Telescope" back in the mid nineties. Back then I was beginning my journey in amateur astronomy. It's kinda weird to be here a quarter of a century later and only now counting down to its launch.

[corneliuspraeda]

Man, if a lay-person wanted a decently detailed rundown of this mission in 15 or so minutes, THIS was the video!! Much much appreciated!!

[MarkLambertMusic]

This fellow is a joy to listen to. Such a pleasant voice and engaging manner of speaking.

[scottrobinson]

I'm crossing body parts I didn't know I could cross for this launch.

I went to UoN from 2015-2019 to get my Master's in Astrophysics, Mike gave me some of my first university physics lectures.
I'm now working on my PhD where I'm researching exoplanet atmospheres. JWST will be extremely valuable for my research in the future - all we can do is hope the launch and deployment goes smoothly.

[AnotherPointOfView]

Would be interesting to know how much of that $10Billion was pure R&D and how much was the build/test cost. In other words, if this JWST failed, how much would it cost to make a replacement? I am sure it would be a lot less than$10Billion.

[martinstent]

It's really heartwarming to know that serious scientists also read XKCD.

[amanofnoreputation]

"We design our satellites with as few moving parts as possible..."
James Webb: * Transformers sound effect *

[chase]

I had the opportunity to see it being built back in '19 during a visit with a close friend who works at Goddard. I will always be grateful for being able to lay eyes on it. This video's answered many of my questions...thank you!

[dougpowers]

8:05 And what a contribution it was! 10 years of bonus telescope life from Ariane's precision!

[primenumberbuster]

The moment it lifted off, I was teary eyed! 🥲

[joshuarosen]

The fact that anyone believed that such a thing was even possible is admirable enough. The fact that it launched successfully and everything seems to have deployed successfully is an absolutely astonishing achievement. I can't wait for the first images to start coming through.

[menpee]

I didn't know about the 344 single point failures, even a few would be scary.

[MiguelAbd]

It's crazy to look back at how anxious and stressed and full of hope we all were back then. It all paid off in the end!

[veso]

I'm soo invested into this and Prof. you and this channel are one of the reasons why I got into astronomy, many thanks

[MZZenyl]

And it has now been pushed back by two days, currently scheduled for the 24th.
NASA truly are the ultimate masters of building up hype.

[MrYukon]

Knowing what Hubble did for astronomy (starting the Golden age of astronomy) I can't wait what the JWT will offer. Looking further back in time, close to the Dark Ages must be incredible. Indeed fingers crossed that the launch and all the unfoldings will go as planned.

[davidstrid]

Fantastic video, gave me a lot of inspiration for questions to ask my optical physics professor tomorrow

[Orion]

And now it's set for Christmas Eve!! 🥰

[theodorathompson]

Best Christmas Eve ever - watching the launch with a calming glass of bubbly.