Episode 335: The Webb Telescope and the History of Space Photography

In this episode, Niki, Neil, and Natalia discuss the images from outer space captured by the Webb telescope.

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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show: 

• Everyday Americans and astrophysicists alike thrilled at the dreamy, full-color photos shared by NASA last week. Niki drew on this Guardian essay about how “Earthrise” changed our perspective on Earth. Natalia contrasted the Webb images with these early, grainy photos from space. We all drew on this Christie’s retrospective on space photography.

In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:

• Natalia commented on the divergent interpretations of who won this exchange between Senator Josh Hawley and law professor Khiara M. Bridges.
• Neil recommended Susan Orlean’s New Yorker article, “An Old Dog That Found A New Best Friend,” and this Instagram feed.
• Niki shared Justin Peters’ Slate article, “The Ridiculous Claims That Journalists Shouldn’t Have Published the Uvalde Video”.