James Webb Space Telescope releases dazzling first science images
New ScientistJUL 2022
The Spin
Narrative A
They're finally here! It's a historic day for science and technology when all people can experience the first gorgeous images from the JWST, after decades of waiting. The telescope will fundamentally change our understanding of the universe. This is a deeply needed moment for America and all of humanity.
Narrative B
This is a massive achievement but was also a massive risk. An $11B investment into a single platform is a tremendous gamble - if anything should ever happen to the JWST it could set astronomy back by a generation. NASA needs to find more cost-effective, safe, and innovative ways to spur future innovation in the astrophysics field.
Metaculus Prediction
There's a 50% chance that the first discovery of extraterrestrial life will happen by 2077, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
