The Incredible Creation of the James Webb Space Telescope
Embarking on a NASA mission is no easy feat. It requires extensive development, funding, construction, and launch, often spanning several decades. But for Nobel Prize-winning physicist John Mather, this is all just part of the incredible journey. In “Inside the Star Factory: The Creation of the James Webb Space Telescope,” author Christopher Wanjek and photographer Chris Gunn provide readers with an exclusive look at the behind-the-scenes process of bringing the largest and most powerful space observatory to life.
With a focus on the groundbreaking imaging technology that allows us to explore the early universe like never before, this book takes readers on a captivating adventure through three decades of scientific efforts. From the dedicated researchers to the skilled engineers and technicians, Wanjek and Gunn give credit where credit is due.
In this week’s excerpt from “Inside the Star Factory,” we delve into the remarkable journey of JWST project scientist John Mather. From his humble beginnings in rural New Jersey to leading one of NASA’s most ambitious projects, Mather’s story is one of determination and passion.
Excerpted from “Inside the Star Factory: The Creation of the James Webb Space Telescope” by Chris Gunn and Christopher Wanjek. Copyright © 2023. Reproduced with permission from MIT Press.
Meet John Mather: The Steady Hand in Control
John Mather’s patience and perseverance paid off when he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2006. But this achievement was years in the making. Mather’s groundbreaking work on the Big Bang theory stemmed from his involvement in the creation of COBE (the Cosmic Background Explorer) – another NASA mission that almost didn’t happen.
Mather’s expertise in designing time machines to reveal snapshots of the early universe made him a natural fit for the role of JWST Project Scientist. Just like the James Webb Space Telescope, COBE aimed to uncover the mysteries of the universe’s infancy. By targeting the epoch of recombination, where the universe transitioned from a hot fog to a clear and structured space, Mather and his team were able to capture the ancient light of the Big Bang – known as the cosmic microwave background.
Despite his scientific achievements, Mather’s upbringing in rural Sussex County, New Jersey was far from extraordinary. Surrounded by farmland and the Appalachian Trail, Mather’s fascination with science and mathematics set him apart from his peers. Encouraged by his parents – his father a pioneer in animal husbandry and his mother an elementary school teacher – Mather’s passion for science blossomed.
After graduating college, Mather sought out new opportunities and warmer weather in California. It was at the University of California, Berkeley, where he became captivated by the discovery of the cosmic microwave background. His involvement with COBE allowed him to create a map of the early universe, revealing the intricate web of matter density fluctuations that eventually led to the formation of stars and galaxies.
However, the journey to launch COBE was far from smooth sailing. Setbacks, including the Space Shuttle Challenger explosion and budget cuts, tested Mather and his team’s resilience. Redesigns, compromises, and a last-minute switch to a Delta rocket all became part of the story. Yet, despite every obstacle, COBE successfully launched in 1989.
As Mather reflects on his journey, all the delays and challenges fade away with the groundbreaking results of the COBE experiment. The data revealed the undeniable evidence of the Big Bang and forever changed our understanding of the universe.
Join us next week for another exciting excerpt from “Inside the Star Factory” as we dive deeper into the astonishing creation of the James Webb Space Telescope.
