How Does The James Webb Space Telescope Work? - Smarter Every Day 262

[@smartereveryday]

I couldn't find a JWST shirt that I liked.... so I commissioned an artist to make what was in my mind. Here's the link if you'd like one too. www.bonfire.com/store/smarter-every-day/

[@messier8769]

years? more like Decades 😉. but yayyyy im sooooo stoked to see its first images and data. OH BOY!

[@harshvardhan4766]

Needed this thanks a lot :)

[@BatSignalJammer]

I can't explain how significant you are in my life Destin. You have inspired me to take physics and your excitement for physics is absolutely nuts. I aspire to become you when I grow older. Thank you sir

[@ItsLucid]

One thing I really want to know about JWST is what magnification it has. If you could provide an answer that would be awesome!

[@duckbuck1211]

@SmarterEveryDay I can't describe how happy I am that you did this and how well you did it. You make such awesome videos. This one pulled the trigger for me to become a Patron. Well done Destin.

[@ChrisRaynorMD]

So excited for this satellite to finally go up. I have been waiting for this for a long time. This is going to greatly advance our study of cosmology.

[@JaydenGarciaYT]

I wonder what the first image will be

[@volcheq2041]

It’s really exciting. Wikipedia says the timeline for the JWST started in 1999. Not sure if that’s true? However here we are.

[@ChrisRaynorMD]

@@JaydenGarciaYT Me too. I am so stoked to be able to directly image extra-solar planets!

[@ChrisRaynorMD]

@@volcheq2041 Yeah, it has been super slow getting this thing built, for many reasons. But now, barring any unforeseen problems, we are about to see this thing off and ready for action.

[@mroogabooga8763]

Telescope*

[@NeroThacher]

The room was filled with so much of Dr. John Mather's charisma and personality and thats why Destin's camera kept overheating

[@OneSingleBreath]

Then his charisma and personality seems to reach a lot of GoPros around the world.

[@XanderProduction]

._.) Maybe need some passive cooling upgrade, or maybe need a fan (silent fan) to keep it from overheating..

[@SangheiliSpecOp]

@@OneSingleBreath lmao

[@stochasticsignal1951]

My lord! Your father taught me about carburetors AND he worked on the JWST?! Thanks for sharing this with us all, Destin.

[@vaisakh_km]

I thought he would be a really good mechanic ...... But now..😱 mind blown...

[@sixstringedthing]

One very smart gentleman. Like father like son eh? :)

[@SubinGeorge26]

No wonder destin and his children are smart. It runs in the family

[@Sir_Uncle_Ned]

Could you imagine that “bring your dad to school” day when Destin rolls in

[@kadmow]

@@Sir_Uncle_Ned : Multi generational rocket men.

[@PracticeNine]

I love how Dr. Mather just radiates excitement and pride. It's one of the purest emotions I've seen. For me this is one of the greatest things that you can experience as a human being

[@PixieLay]

Indeed, I got goosebumps when he explains what he is expecting from the telescope. I'm not entirely sure what he's saying but gives me goosebumps anyway, just from his excitement and enthusiasm. Thank you Destin for creating such great contents as always.

[@KingBobXVI]

I love how at 13:50 when Destin asks him "are you excited about that" he just lights up up with childlike wonder, as if he's a young kid whose parent just asked if he's excited to go to Disneyland, because that shared curiosity is the real driver of projects like this. What a great interview.

[@201hastings]

He’s changing the world and the course of human history. To be a part of something so big has got to be exciting

[@sgransar]

"I don't get anxious about stuff I can't deal with". That is serenity.

[@DonaldCookNJ]

Exactly. That wisdom is encapsulated in the Serenety Prayer: (God) Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change The courage to change the things I can And the wisdom to know the difference

[@TheSilmarillian]

I follow the same philosophy hello from Australia

[@marcus2of10]

Simple wisdom from a very smart man.

[@jairsinhomx]

That is wisdom I would say...

[@codymoe4986]

@@DonaldCookNJ Serenity prayer? More like "The Quitter's Quote"...

[@cbredesen]

"I don't get anxious about stuff I can't deal with." This is the way.

[@fubisroc9673]

I turn 50 next year, but I've already adopted this philosophy just in terms of day-2-day life. It drives my wife crazy because she constantly worries about things that COULD happen, or MIGHT go wrong while I sit back being chill. I just plan the best I can, and then jump into action only IF something goes wrong.

[@foofooblenda734]

SO Phreaking true were all too young to get it.............yet

[@manjindersinghsaini911]

this is the way of stoicism

[@cbredesen]

@@manjindersinghsaini911 Indeed. You beat me to the reply. Anyone wanting to dive into this way should read Stoics.

[@ridethecurve55]

Every parent does the best they can to raise children. Then you have to just 'let them launch into life' and not worry about them, because you did the best you could do.

[@jakerichardson7822]

'Are you excited about that?' 'Yeeees.' Man that was precious.

[@justinmoonshine3742]

You sound older than him

[@vigilantcosmicpenguin8721]

Feels like the same energy as Destin.

[@Babaroga777]

" I don't get anxious about stuff I can't deal with" - very wise words from a really amazing person like Dr.Mather, and a beautiful finale for this video! It was a real pleasure to listen to him!

[@njjeff201]

Makes sense. I have daughters that stopped talking to me. I can’t change their minds so I put it behind. Life goes on with or without

[@Bruniiiefy]

@@njjeff201 That's not what he said. He said that when he has to worry about something, he actually does something about it and he won't worry about the resolution because there is nothing else he can do.

[@Jreb1865]

@@Bruniiiefy Why is it wrong? He's done what he could do. Now, what happens, happens...

[@drrwatcher]

A true stoic. Research Stoicism.

[@njjeff201]

@@Bruniiiefy Not much you can do on a spacecraft thousands of kilometers away my friend. Don’t worry… be happy.

[@suvratarya]

"You're the Man." "I'm one of many." This one won many hearts. So humble. 🙌🙌

[@soniccookie655]

When Destin first mentioned him, I went “hmmm” and then he spoke and he was great. :)

[@Puleczech]

Sigma male answer.

[@tocov]

Real experts usually will not say they are "the man". They know how much knowledge there is still to know, and how much collective brain power is needed to accomplish things or create a knowledge base.

[@flewwasse]

İm the 333 like

[@JHD42]

Very true. But then again, what kind of person would reply "Yep, I'm the man."? Would be a telltale sign they most definitely aren't. :)

[@emanuelvaladez7183]

His excitement when he says "suppose the universe has got things even further away" says it all, this man is about to complete the work of his life

[@warrenwhite9085]

The James Webb Telescope is so powerful & can see so far back in time it can see Federal Agency NASA’s original promised launch date & budget.

[@philipm3173]

They did it! HE did it

[@Stylaaah]

This guy is awesome. So charismatic and humble, I could listen to him all day

[@yakov9542]

For sure, he’s true blue.

[@cocoweepah]

… and is ‘positively,’ unquestioningly naive about the “foundations for believing lies.” Clue: NASA and ‘our’ military excels at THOSE propaganda craft$ !

[@devinschaar4499]

@@cocoweepah really dude?

[@lukecrawford9180]

@@cocoweepah what are you talking about?

[@navyabh896]

@@lukecrawford9180i think, even he doesn't know what's he talking about.

[@Romial34]

Watching this video on Christmas after the James Webb Space Telescope went into space successfully! SO excited to see what we see with it in about 6 months or so.

[@matt_freund]

Yeah man, and can you imagine the next team might already be working on a new telescope project.

[@shadowprince4482]

I'm hard to buy gifts for. This news is the best Christmas gift I've ever received.

[@ZachAttackThe]

Same!

[@packersforever8018]

agreed!! I believe it take a bit longer because each mirror has to align properly before everything could function properly, i read somewhere!

[@ratprince1258]

images release on July 12th!! so excited!

[@turbochargedbrick]

Of course Destin comes from a family of rocket surgeons. And I thought his dad was just an amazing lawn mower engineer.

[@NAUT758]

Same💀

[@jamessheppard4372]

Ikr

[@human9458]

Right? It's always like this

[@WARnTEA]

In the previous videos I was kind of wondering why his dad still treated him like a kid instead of one of the most important science communicators of this generation. And of course everyone will seem like a dumb kid when you are working on the frontlines of human exploration and technology. It all makes sense now.

[@MrOssuarian]

Why can't he be both?

[@Hot-Dog-Racing]

25:44 is life changing advice. Astrophysics and mathematics aside, this is an extremely brilliant man.

[@erdemmemisyazici3950]

I mean the guy won a Nobel prize, I think he doesn't have to impress anybody at this point in his life.

[@ivanthetactical6072]

His philosophy is so simple yet it makes perfect sense. I don't know why I haven't looked at potential problems like that before. Maybe because I am not a brilliant astrophysicist. Anyway hearing that was like a light bulb moment for me, and it sounds like it was for Destin as well.

[@nickhargreaves1935]

@@ivanthetactical6072 It's a Stoic practice. Do what is within your power to do, everything else is external and beyond your control. Lookup; Stoicism, Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, Epictetus. Many Successful and powerful people are known to practice / have practiced Stoicism. It changed my life, from a psychological standpoint.

[@rileybrokaw4506]

@Myrmadon …boy i bet you’re fun at parties

[@GuillaumeHuetGH]

I was actually almost shocked by his answer and then I felt a profond respect for it. It made me realize that most of my life I worried for things I could not control and that kept me from focusing correctly on things that I can control in order to be more productive. And let me tell you the things I'm talking about are totally meaningless in front of the JWST. I actually am already terrified when I watch launches of spacecraft I only heard about, if I was building them I would stop breathing and faint ^^. I will try to progressively adopt this way of thinking in my life, thank you very much sir!

[@Rogar0]

Being 79 myself and a retired Industrial ventilation engineer I’ve also learnt the same wisdom; but exceedingly cool to hear that a top scientist does the same! Chapeau to him and his cool interview!

[@highpointsights]

Having been through the entire Large Hadron Collider (which is clearly in another field, but it is a giant giant engineering project never the less) watching them build the entire thing over a ten year period and have it fail catastrophically (spent a year in rehab) after 9 days after they lit it up? That speaks to the net effect of ESA projects. Should the James Webb be riding the Ariane 5?? They had issues with it till last year?????????? I don't think the ESA has the resources of Elon Musk or ULA????

[@JaredOwen]

I've watched this video several times now and I learn something new each time. It's impressive how your camera was overheating and you STILL made an incredible video. Thank you Destin!

[@degrawjb]

"We think we might see objects out to a redshift of 20 to 30." "Are you excited about that?" "Yeeeeehhhhhss" There was so much enthusiasm in that "yes". I'm so stoked for this telescope and what new things we will see and learn!

[@Meatsweats_o_O]

yeah when that level of a nerd who is also 70 yrs old gets so excited he can't help but be giddy, you know it's going to be on a scale we haven't seen.

[@MFcitrous]

Prepare for sadness friend.

[@matasa7463]

Put it this way - this thing is gonna make the Hubble telescope look like a kid's toy telescope.

[@bdickinson6751]

Most people have no idea what the scope of something like that even means.

[@bdickinson6751]

@@MFcitrous Says the person without the intelligence to be a rocket scientist.

[@bryan69420]

I worked on the Etalon filter in the Fine Guidance Sensor, it's a really tiny piece of the whole project, but I'm proud to have contributed to it's development. I can't wait to see what new discoveries will be revealed!

[@CalSeedy]

We used an Etalon in a FPI setup at uni a couple yrs ago, that lil bit of optical magic is baffling. Now to find out what it actually does...

[@superme63]

The look of joy and excitement on Dr Mathers face as he explains things, is like that of a kid explaining to their parents all the cool stuff he learned at Space Camp. 🤣

[@dean8315]

it was so fun to see him talk and listen to him

[@chiefslinginbeef3641]

Why isn't he masked?

[@Sereeey]

@@chiefslinginbeef3641 interview was done pre COVID I think, dr Mather is now 75, he mentions being 70 in the video

[@nrdesign1991]

He also realizes he's talking to someone who really knows his stuff, and not to a class of bored children or students

[@mukund5826]

@@nrdesign1991 yaa that’s what makes this conversation more interesting,imagine if he was explaining this to someone who doesn’t have that level of knowledge on the topic,he would have just explained like we are launching a telescope to space to take some photos.

[@MPaia]

I wish I was as well versed in anything in life as this man is about this whole subject matter. What a comfort it is knowing that people like this live amongst us, and what a pleasure it is listening to him explain how this particular telescope will work. Thank you for this video

[@cosmic2096]

💚

[@poloska9471]

It’s never too late to begin. Pick a topic you find fascinating and that you do not get bored of pursuing on your own free will, and you will not only become well versed but also potentially very successful in all respects of the word. Find, learn out of fascination, find reason to pursue, set goals, practice, apply your knowledge and experience in the real world.

[@bdshort]

Watching this thing finally launch, and then unfold, is going to be nerve wracking!

[@nookedagain675]

I appreciate you for using "wracking" rather than 'wrecking'.

[@Norweeg]

I’ve been following the development of this for years. I agree! I’ll continue to be nervous about it through launch day and then all of the following milestones until we get our first good images about 6 months after launch.

[@bdshort]

@Capitalist Warrior I was wondering if it might have cameras on board so the engineers could see the progress, but I get they can get the same info through telemetry sensors.

[@khoop009]

Does anyone know when it's supposed to launch?

[@poloska9471]

@Myrmadon Assuming that the “I” in your comment was intended to be an “it”, this is why your life has been equivalent to that of a mid-grade rodent. Congratulations, you win the Nobel rodent award for your comment.

[@mihacurk]

Can we all just appreciate the fact that Destin sometimes has a video planned for years and is slowly collecting footage as things are developing to show it to us as a whole when everything is finished? Another terrific video (or should I say documentary) there sir!

[@muhammadsherally]

Right?! For a sec my heart skipped a beat, coz i was like.. wait… did i just miss the launch? … some James Cameron stuff right here!

[@LetsGoPens63]

That was one of the most fascinating interviews I've ever heard. I didn't know much about Dr. Mather before this but I'm a huge fan of his now. That man needs to be celebrated more widely.

[@XCray]

This kind of people should be in the leading positions of governments. Not a Donald Trump…

[@HoLeeFuk317]

@@XCray What does your world revolve around that your mind went to thinking about Trump? Let it go

[@BatSignalJammer]

You may be a huge fan but I became a huge freaking air conditioner of him after watching this video

[@RuffianTux]

Too right! He just radiates joy over what he's doing. Seems like a really cool guy to sit and talk with as well.

[@RuffianTux]

@@HoLeeFuk317 You know those people. They'll always find a way.

[@jaconel1673]

One of the best interviews I've ever seen. Period. Thanks for giving us the opportunity to hear what Dr Mather had to say. These are the things that make me proud to be human.

[@keef5]

My brother was an engineer who worked on this for about 15 years. His department was responsible for testing the instrumentation that would mitigate the vibration during launch. I’m a machinist and he had me make him a couple of fixtures that held 3 accelerometers on the X,Y,Z planes. God I hope this thing works 😅

[@60zar]

THAT IS SO FREAKING AMAZING! Hope everything goes well. Good LUCK!

[@SilveniumTheDrifter]

"The work of many individuals", "....of what we've done"; it's so nice to hear someone crediting a whole team, instead of taking all of the credit. Bless this dude!

[@eddiehazard3340]

I totally agree.

[@realitywins6457]

“When you’re seventy years old you get tired of worrying about stuff, and you say ‘we’ll just make a plan’.”

[@rossmacintosh5652]

If I was there I'd have wanted to give him a hug! If he has grandchildren I hope they appreciate Dr. Grandpa.

[@randyr.parker2698]

I to am finding the older I get, the less I worry about things, so, I understand what he said. Life's to short to worry about things you can't control.

[@realitywins6457]

@@RyanRamboer-sv3pm Yea, big fan. I can’t help but think it is transcendent in nature, and we are seeing the shadow. It is mysterious but accessible, and yet infinite in depth.

[@Harry351ify]

I feel the same way and I'm young and I haven't done or will be able to do a fraction of things this man has done in his life.

[@realitywins6457]

@@Harry351ify Comparing yourself to others will make you very depressed - you don’t have all the data to be accurate, and you’ll spend the nx 50+ yrs an old man. Be inspired by his passion, hard work, or virtue and make progress compared to where you were instead.

[@werewolf74]

IT IS SO COOL your dad worked on this, these first images are amazing.

[@aaronseet2738]

Destin: We're gonna cover the most advanced camera humans have made. Destin's camera: * heavy breathing

[@coryleblanc]

i can't wait to see what fakery NASA is going to show us with the James webb

[@willinwoods]

so that's why it overheated, right?

[@flexinclouds]

Lmao.. very underrated comment😂

[@JerryRigEverything]

Super cool video! Thanks for making it. Education is the solution to all the earth's problems.

[@BlackHole101]

hope it doesn't scratch at a level 6

[@patrickr2686]

How scratch resistant is the touch screen inside a tesla? 😀

[@yashcr7]

@@BlackHole101 with deeper grooves at level 7

[@chrismoney1468]

And you certainly don’t get educated, you people get indoctrinated.

[@speedydraw]

@@chrismoney1468 And who educated you to spot the difference? over here talking bout "you people" what kinda people is you???

[@waswer6901]

My favourite thing about these sorts of videos is visably seeing the interviewee get more excited and passionate when they realise Destin actually has a good understanding of what they are explaining

[@trouty7947]

@BrightForest it also means he can see which parts might need more explanation for the average person, or which parts need simplifying or an analogy. And he can get more in depth information out if the interview when they say something that might be interesting. It's something you see in teachers that are passionate about teaching, looking for different ways of explaining the same thing because not everyone will understand something from one particular type of explanation.

[@djshnibz]

This was great! Mather made it so simple and easy to understand the science and incredible engineering behind this project.

[@yarati4584]

You know someone is really smart if they can explain complex things in an easy way. Dr. Mather and Destin both have this ability.

[@Poutrel]

"Eyh, here's my Dad, he knows all about engines!" "Oh, forgot to mention, he worked on the James Webb Telescope too."

[@cmohityadav2007]

I am replying because this comment will have thousands of like in the future and I have observed that the reply also gets many likes.

[@danrazART]

@@cmohityadav2007 seriously?

[@cmohityadav2007]

@@danrazART according to my calculations I will get 350+ likes till next year......

[@FunZack11]

Never thought I'd see you here, Poutrel :D

[@Poutrel]

@@FunZack11 I've been subscribed since nearly ten years though :p

[@otakuribo]

The older I get, the more I appreciate the perspectives of people much older than me. Dr. Mather is such an excellent explainer of his work!

[@ericlayton913]

Destin, I love how you present. You always exude excitedment and curiousity. Thanks so much for making this channel and sharing with us.

[@ShardoNight]

I have to say, the nugget of wisdom hit me harder than the science. Thank you for creating this content and congratulations on 10M subscribers!

[@GroupSoliloquy]

100% agree. I'd learned most of the JWST stuff here in other videos or articles (except the L2 point orbit, neat!). But that ability to know you have done the best planning you can do, and trusting in that work, has actually made me not worry about it unfolding correctly. Some brilliant people have done their absolute best work, and if it works out, will push us forward in our understanding of the universe. It's poetic.

[@henninghoefer]

This video is *so* well done: The interrupts with the further explanations are helpful and exactly the right amount.

[@TheStevecas9860]

I agree, it makes it like a few questions we would ask as laymen!

[@loturzelrestaurant]

Call me silly/random, but i just want to do my fellow Science-Lovers a Favor, so excuse the Randomness but here you go, have some warm Recommendations, cause the Learning never Ends! -Sci Man Dan! -Oversimplified! -It’s ok to be smart. -Professor Dave Explains. -Krimson Rogue. -Practical Engineering -Michio Kaku. -Kosmo. -Legal Eagle. -Cinema Therapy.

[@EquinoxxSwe]

13:56 is probably the cutest thing. Real, nerdy and well contained excitement. Love for the craft of intelligent engineering. Great stuff.

[@glasswingbutterfly]

Love how Destin breaks it down for us. "That was a lot, but we can understand it." Such a good encouraging channel for students of every age!

[@wompastompa3692]

I love gold hue mirrors. Also, Dr. Mather's excitement at being able to detect 30× redshifts was pretty cool.

[@benediktthelen9908]

Yes the mirrors look great, let's hope the do not immediately by micro-asteroids or rubble.

[@bdmammoth4051]

Oh yeah, when he said, "Yeeeeesss", it cracked me up. It's cool to see this guy presumably living out his dream and see all that he has learned/taught come to life with this telescope.

[@archivist17]

That would be absolutely awesome!

[@maxcactus7]

"Yaaaaaaasssss!"

[@BRSP1022]

I wanna see a long form interview with the “drop the bass” guy. He seems cool.

[@ffggddss]

I waited in vain for them to play a little of: "I'm all about that bass, 'bout that bass; not treble." Fred

[@simonisenberg4516]

Yeah, I wonder if they ever played music over that system, you know, to test the equipment and so on.

[@liolp808]

I second this motion. Love cool men of Science.

[@PabloEdvardo]

I love that as he's talking about having two of everything, your single camera becomes your failure point XD

[@mytube001]

I only wish they had two of the whole telescope. One malfunction during or after launch, and it's over...

[@RyanRiopel]

He really should be going out with more than one camera.

[@098765432qwertyuiop]

@@mytube001 the Ariane ppl are gonna be scared AF

[@real_andrii]

Linus should help him to watercool it.

[@vigilantcosmicpenguin8721]

Parallelism.

[@gruffalocrumble494]

I love your videos so much @SmarterEveryDay. At 9:07 when he finished talking about the angular momentum of the reaction wheels due to sunshine and thus setting the lifetime of the observatory, is about where I would have lost it with another video. Cue: Destin with “ok that was a lot but we can understand it”. Love it.

[@columbus8myhw]

_[talking about the vacuum chamber]_ "That's cool - so do they put James Webb in there?" "No, only his telescope"

[@ianglenn2821]

Haha what a pun. But for real, I think such an important telescope should get a re-naming after launch. The contributions of administrators are important, but they already get a legacy by being named an administrator. Many scientists and engineers who otherwise wouldn't get a legacy are the actual value-creation that is churned by such administrators.

[@willb.383]

One of my professors dropped some similar wisdom on me that I've taken with me since. "Do the best you can, with the time you have and then move on."

[@artdonovandesign]

Wisdom from elders is priceless. They have 50+ years more experience on the planet. It's great when they can bestow it and you can appreciate it.

[@sanjeevverma8579]

Read 'Bhagwat Geeta'

[@davorgolik7873]

It is so so true... from my 55+ engineer experience

[@satishgoda]

My Father also said something similar (as Dr. Mather did) when I used to worry about grades. I miss him a lot.

[@feanorcurufinwe702]

"I wish it need not have happened in my time," said Frodo. "So do I," said Gandalf, "and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us."

[@MarcosProjects]

That nugget of wisdom is essentially the Shantideva quote "If you can solve your problem, then what is the need of worrying? If you cannot solve it, then what is the use of worrying?"

[@5thearth]

The worry happens when you don't know which one it is.

[@MarcosProjects]

@@5thearth I almost feel like that's where Dr. Mather's wisdom adds something... if there's something you MIGHT be able to do, then try, but once you've done everything you can, then let go.

[@_BangDroid_]

And what if you only have one shot to fix a fault that was not predicted and thus couldn't prepare for, but there are several good options? Worry is natural and human, it's becoming overwhelmed with worry that is not helpful. Platitudes are vapid.

[@zorkan111]

Except it's not that simple. Sometimes you think you know how to solve it, but you're not sure. That's where the worrying comes in. Or, you don't know how to solve it, but you know the negative consequences of that. Also a source of worry.

[@saidonfax]

Man I'm dumb as a rock but this so fascinating and heartwarming. I love it when I see people getting excited about stuff they like/love. And I was excited about this new giant space camera to begin with. Man I wish we can learn much more about space from this project.

[@PeterBacon]

You don't have to be if you don't want to be

[@controllerpleb6568]

I love the fact that he can explain it so that I, a person with no background in physics whatsoever, can perfectly understand what he means.

[@andrewpage8759]

That’s a real sign of expertise. An expert in a field understands the subject so well that they can explain it in ways that a layman could understand.

[@chiefslinginbeef3641]

Why isn't he masked?

[@andrewpage8759]

@@chiefslinginbeef3641 why would he be masked?

[@chiefslinginbeef3641]

@N why? abusing power???? By keeping you safe,?!!!

[@Varksterable]

@@chiefslinginbeef3641 YOU are the moron here. Think very carefully before saying anything else. And then stop. You contribute _nothing_ .

[@roshnuwest7521]

This guy is so happy to talk about his work. You can actually see him get more excited as the interview goes on.

[@Demolishorx]

Probably helps that Destin understands a lot of this stuff and can ask good questions.

[@steavf9455]

You can tell that Dr. John Mathers is truly a genius by the way he is able to explain everything Destin so simply. This is amazing to watch

[@sebastianpreciado3581]

Some of the most knowledgeable people are the most humble , I remember my dad telling me that in Cornell University, the Nobel price speaker would make everything sound so simple and even if possible seat close to the audience and speak to them just like a regular person having a conversation . The most awesome super brilliant minds don’t see themselves from the perspective of ego . Both the scientist and the person making the video look super excited and happy about this project , this guy is in his 70’s and he is having the time of his life . Great documentary thank you !!

[@UtiliTerran]

Frankly Destin, we are incredibly lucky and privileged to have access to the high quality content you produce on such a wide variety fascinating topics. Thankyou.

[@TheZenytram]

"when you're 70yo you get tired worrying about stuff, you'll just say"we'll make a plan"" the greatest quote of all time.

[@DeTuks]

made me cry a little, not sure why

[@BeRsErK8402]

25:46-26:16 I felt underaged watching this part. 🙂

[@toycobra12]

Awesome. Most of us could stand to learn from this regardless of age.

[@rkf053fitz]

It's one of the pillars of Stoic philosophy. Why worry about things you have no control over?

[@EnthalpyAndEntropy]

@@rkf053fitz two reasons. First, a lot of folks lack the wisdom to know they don't have control over certain things, especially now in the US. Furthermore, even if ego and hubris aren't a problem, anxiety disorders are a thing. Second, as an engineer, I worry about stuff outside of my control because it can have an effect on what I do control. When making a plan, I know success is never guaranteed, i.e., it's out of my control. I do, however, often have control of how I fail when or if I fail. I can take a path that should I fail it guarantees a certain effect and can preclude other, worse effects that could happen if I chose a different path. It's for this reason, unlike Destin, I'm unfortunately incredibly bitter and hold copious amounts of contempt for people in general. There are a great many "unavoidable accidents" that are actually avoidable and incredibly reckless.

[@FC_Dobbs48]

Thank you for sharing your dad with your KZbin audience. I watched this when it was posted, but now, after seeing the early spectacular results, this is even more interesting.

[@ms.bunniesarecute2287]

I graduated 8th grade when this project started, and here I am in my mid 30s in awe by the scientists and engineers who make this possible. This is what makes being a human so amazing, our shared curiosity with space and the willingness to learn about it. So exciting...yet we still have people who believe the earth is flat.

[@TheSorcerer1]

Those people will believe the Earth is flat even if we shoot them up there with the JWST because they can't see the other side of the Earth at every given moment. Regardless, the JWST is definitely awe-inspiring, and so are the possibilities that come with it. Here's to a long, successful career for our small little hunk of metal!

[@tuathaigh-aa]

I just graduated high school. Such a nice way to end my school years!

[@peterparker9286]

Phone home ET. Truth is stranger then fiction elliot.

[@sarthak8350]

@@Danil-xw9rc ohkk we all know earth is not flat but u cannot just straight say that god isn't there Idk like 75% of nobel laureates believe in religion

[@Soupy_loopy]

I have a lot of bunnies in my yard. I don't think they are so cute when I'm trying to grow a garden. But this comment section has gotten out of hand, so I'll just say, I don't know why people are so weird about everything nowadays. I'll just leave it at that.

[@TractorsForSale]

“A huge hexagonal mirror made out of 18 smaller hexagons” Ah, yes… hexagons are the bestagons.

[@plutonianfairy]

Why hexagons tho?

[@JohnOverstreet]

@@plutonianfairy because they are the bestagon.

[@shamsudeenma1928]

@@plutonianfairy We are part of a cult. You won't understand until you join by watching CGP Grey's video.

[@jpvr]

Ah! A fellow CGP Grey enjoyer

[@abuDojanaTahmid]

CGP Gray !

[@SolarWebsite]

"the James Webb space telescope is about to launch" This video will age extremely well, it could have been shot anytime in the past decade! 😁

[@quasarsavage]

Yes lol hope it goes in 2021

[@thesauce1682]

The same goes for Artemis.

[@xxxXXXCH04XXXxxx]

@@thesauce1682 2025? 🤔

[@asicdathens]

Currently its on a boat on its way to the launch pad. Therefore, I assume the launch is happening

[@HerbertHopkins799]

Haha. Hopefully it will be launched in the next year or so. Can't wait to see what it captures.

[@HANZELHARRYFERNANDEZ]

Congrats to your Dad and Team on JWST's first image!! 😀😀

[@danstephens3344]

"There's no such thing as analyzing anything well enough that you can be sure". I'm just an automotive technician and I cannot express how much this is true. THE BEST QUOTE IN THE WHOLE VIDEO

[@SamFigueroa]

Somebody tell that to the Boeing Starliner team. (Too soon?)

[@danrazART]

So true!

[@kylejonesUB]

JUST an automotive technician...don't sell yourself short. 99% of the population cannot do your job. We've never met, but there's no "just" to your job. (I fix my own stuff, but send it to you all when I bite odd more than I can chew!)

[@thehandlesticks66]

I was JUST an automotive tech, and now I'm going back to school for engineering. You can do whatever you want, even watching this video means you care about science.

[@kensherwin4544]

26:07 "When you're 70 years old, you get tired of worrying about stuff." Truer words have never been spoken.

[@hastypete2]

At 54 I'm already feeling that. It is quite liberating.

[@MisterItchy]

Can't imagine the embarrassment you felt when your camera kept overheating on this guy's time! He was so patient. Thanks for sharing it with us.

[@asystole_]

Dude has 10M subscribers and can't afford a dedicated video camera that doesn't overheat?

[@Q_QQ_Q]

@@asystole_ lol likely didnt have at that moment

[@Zakna]

@@asystole_ The Canon R5 is a great camera, it just overheats with video haha. Should of gotten a Sony :p

[@ryderdonahue]

@@Zakna Yeah I was wondering the same thing. I hope Destin doesn't use an R5..

[@bucky13]

@@Zakna It's the 4K video specifically. They just weren't built to handle it. DIY Perks has an awesome video about water-cooling one.

[@Psyopcyclops]

I love how accessible you have made science. Some of the greatest teachers in the world are those that can break down subjects to make them accessible. Love your work so much!

[@sta.x]

Started watching this channel when i was still a boy. Now im in my final year of becoming a engineer. I am working at Airbus right now and I am able to see stuff like the Sentinel 2,4 & 5; Merlin and also a Spacetelescope like that. Its soo cool to see my daily work on youtube and one of my most loved channels. I am hyped

[@Nefi424]

"I don't get anxious about stuff I can't deal with." Truly a wise man. I've been looking forward to the JWST launch for at least a decade and have always been nervous about it potentially failing. If minds like that of Dr. Mather are in charge, then there's very little to worry about after all. Can't wait!

[@MountainFisher]

"in 2011 after wasting over $4 billion their budget was cut for "billions of dollars over budget and plagued by poor management" so it's no wonder Mather doesn't want to take credit for being in charge since almost the beginning. Because the runaway budget diverted funding from other research, a 2010 Nature article described the JWST as "the telescope that ate astronomy". Well after Congress cut it the astronomical community led by a Congresswoman ran a publicity campaign for why taxpayers need to pay for their research toys and they've gone up another $6 billion since then. The reason you put real managers in charge and not a Nobel Laureate who doesn't understand that the money has to come from somewhere. SETI after losing taxpayer money acquired the funding they needed, but they stopped having so much waste.

[@VocalMabiMaple]

13:54 that "Yesss" turns him instantly from a renowned scientist to a giddy kid. It's so cute

[@ClassicalLuvr]

Dustin -- this was the best episode (of many great ones) you've ever done, IMHO. And yes, the last five minutes passed on some wisdom that all of us (especially those of us about to turn 70, like me) would do well to apply to our own lives. Keep up the great work!

[@cubfan]

I had also assumed that JWST had an RTG onboard. Interesting that it uses so little power that an RTG is not needed. Great convo with Dr. Mather.

[@martialfantasy8772]

Interesting to see you here cub!

[@clapanse]

Other way around actually - it uses so much power that no current RTG would be sufficient. That's why it's using solar instead. If you wanted to run this with RTGs, you'd need something like a dozen of the ones used for Cassini to get enough power.

[@lanatsif]

Hmmm so your new logo hinted towards your space intestest, i didnt know that! Love you Cub, that canyon is looking glorious!

[@JeffreyJonesRecumbentRider]

Also an RTG emits heat and don't they want as little heat as possible.

[@mr_earwig6477]

Ey Cub, its good to see you here!

[@dolfandringa]

I could listen to Dr Mather all day. An incredibly smart and well spoken gentleman. The type of person that you know has so much more interesting stuff to tell.

[@thefunbuns1]

Wow this guy is such a pro, even when he's just talking to you he's got that natural scholar's cradle!

[@amrishnair]

Yeah, what's a scholar's cradle?

[@thefunbuns1]

@BrightForest Scholar's cradle is the way that lecturers hold their hands together while they speak/present. You wouldn't notice it unless you are looking for it, but it gives a speaker something to do with their hands while standing in front of a room and makes them look more professional. If you want an in-depth look at scholar's cradles I'd recommend Lindybeige's video on the topic

[@suttonmatthew]

Those final thoughts of wisdom, and your understanding of it, was awesome. We often take the same approach during high risk military operations. There is a certain point where you have to accept the outcome, yet still have mitigation plans in place.

[@Sethleavescomments]

I think Dr. Mather would be a great guest for the Smart Everyday Podcast after the launch. He seems to possess knowledge, understanding, and wisdom, so right up the podcast’s alley.

[@InvestmentJoy]

Off to find where the kapton for the sun shield was made :) my uncle manages one of the few lines that produce it, and has been in continuous production since the 60s.

[@criticaltexan2334]

Will you be renting out space trailers soon? Currently looking to upgrade from my current living environment :)

[@mattsapero1896]

Kapton is a polyimide film developed by DuPont in the late 1960s that remains stable across a wide range of temperatures, from −269 to +400 °C. Kapton is used in, among other things, flexible printed circuits and space blankets, which are used on spacecraft, satellites, and various space instruments. Wikipedia

[@fubisroc9673]

@@mattsapero1896 Kapton Tape also works really well on circuit boards in the assembly phase. If you have a board that will travel through a wave-soldering process, yet there are portions you do NOT yet want exposed to solder (via holes, pads, etc that will be populated LATER), just slap a piece of Kapton Tape over it and peel it off when it comes out of the solder wave. Wide enough pieces are also good for on-the-spot, quick-and-dirty exhaust pipe repairs!!! :-)

[@nonyourbuz5805]

....also works good to wrap batteries....

[@spldrong]

Imagine how profitable moon base coin laundry will be! Obviously paid in Dogecoin

[@richb0199]

Dr Mather comes across as so humble and laid back. His explanations are simple even though he's taking about seriously complicated stuff. I can't wait for the launch to happen.

[@Gjudxdkjyzddhjnr7091]

This is a mark of deep understanding, being able to explain very complex things, simply

[@myalakee7329]

I watched this video with huge excitement and interest. I was inspired with owe with the brilliance of space science and its creative engineering and even more with the knowledge, humbleness, and wisdom of Dr. Mather! What an outstanding human being he is! Our earth needs more people like him. Since the launch of James Webb, I've been following its journey and have learned a great deal about the science behind it. I have to admit this video is one of the best videos I have watched discussing the Webb. Your simpler explanations above and beyond what Dr. Mather discussed are excellent. Please have more videos on this topic. Well done.

[@dguy709]

That was amazing on so many levels! Dr John Mathers is incredible and I’d love to spend hours talking to him. I’ve been waiting for this launch and this telescope for years, I’m so excited it’s so close!! What an incredible piece of technology! I’m in awe by how far our collective learning has come! I love it!!

[@TheHoaxHotel]

Can't wait to get that infrared flowin on in

[@SirFaceFone]

Can't wait for you to take on extraterrestrial scammers

[@JBMoney.]

I'm a big fan. 👋🏿 Can't wait for more of you're videos as well.

[@bengsynthmusic]

It detected terri, mack, and chute

[@terrypussypower]

Let’s hope they get the demurrage sorted out before the launch! Don’t want it held up for another 10 years!

[@andrewplatt7795]

Such an humble leader and role model. He has seen so much and experienced even more. His perspective on anxiousness is astounding.

[@jacksparrow532]

Came back to watch this again after those beautiful pictures were released. Must be a proud moment for these people who put their effort and time for so many years and got the result, I hope was as expected as they wanted it to be.

[@georgegreen442]

Very impressive. Watching how he interacted with you was very humbling - one of the smartest guys on the planet can explain things like an 8th grade science teacher. The smartest guy in the room who has to act like it would have a lot to learn from this guy. Reminds me a bit of Feynman, who said if you can not explain a concept simply, you don't understand it.

[@shonen84]

In my personal experience - the smartest people are the most humble. There’s always something new to learn and experience. At the frontier of science, you can’t help but being humble.

[@KingBobXVI]

@@shonen84 - Yep, one trait shared by pretty much ever "smartest person in the room" is that they won't ever feel the need to tell you that they're the smartest person in the room.

[@jadegold66]

I loved Feynman. I did an internship at fermilab many moons ago. The best, most fun way to spend a summer before heading off to college.

[@thewuf]

Destin - I want to tell you seriously, that your videos move me and my emotions. And the biggest compliment I can give you is that I insist my kids watch every one of them and I share you with everyone I care about. From the bottom of my heart - THANK YOU!

[@TehBIGrat]

That Interview with Dr John Mathers was amazing. He's clearly very excited and passionate about this milestone, yet he is so humble and talks in a way we can understand.

[@kenschubert7001]

Amazing interview Destin. What a brilliant and articulate man. I love how he he is quick to credit all the other scientists involved before taking any credit himself. That is truly a mindset that serves humanity. Besides the incredible science the most valuable thing I learned from Dr. Mather was his wisdom of “letting go”. Knowing that once you’ve done your best there’s no upside to worrying is a lesson we can all apply to our everyday lives. That was beautiful.

[@Elias-pr3cf]

I got to meet Dr. Mathers back in 2016, just before i started my undergrad in astrophysics. He truly was such a nice guy. Now I'm a masters student and might use JWST data at some point in my career! I have been reading a ton about cosmic reionization the last few days, and the JWST is going to be so important to figuring it out.

[@man_on_wheelz]

What I love most about long-term science is that no matter who started the research, the ongoing teams of researchers will continue to look for the answers to questions originally asked long after the original team is dead and gone, coming up with newly improvised and higher tech ways to conjure up the answer almost making it certain we will have answers in due time.

[@cashhue941]

"The James Webb space telescope is about to launch." Never thought a sentence like that would give me full body goosebumps.

[@vigilantcosmicpenguin8721]

Yeah. This is big.

[@perniciouspete4986]

Which time?

[@matasa7463]

Please deploy, please deploy, for the love of God please deploy properly...

[@thisisthetasteofaliar9757]

@@perniciouspete4986 December 18, 2021, but might get delay again.

[@barryschwarz]

Had to pause near the end to affirm the nugget of wisdom. Worry never fixed anything (replace worry with diligence). Stress is only useful in short bursts, if at all. It's easy now for me to not worry, but it took a while to get there, and it might be one of the best things you ever learned to do, for many great reasons. You maintain clarity, your energy reserves last longer, and you may live a longer life with longevity also for various of your capacities. You just function better without too much stress and worry. And maybe most important - you'll be happier.

[@paulmartinek1716]

I absolutely love how excited the good doctor gets as he is sitting there explaining this, you can see these moments of sheer glee radiate over him. Thank you Dr. John Mather for dedicating so much time and energy into this project, and make sure to thank the rest of your team for their efforts, and Destin thank your family for all of their hard work and sacrifice as well.

[@BobIzam]

That final bit at the end is one of the great lessons in Chris Hadfield's (astronaut) autobiography. A highly recommended read for everyone!

[@WhitefoxSpace]

Dr Mather is an absolute, absolute joy to watch and listen to. His eyes just beam with pride and his smile so genuinely conveys his unyielding passion for his work. Dr Mather, the feeling I can assure you, is from all of us space nerds, absolutely mutual.

[@Sciurus]

Just imagine if we could send Destin back in time to interview Thomas Townsend Brown... 🤔💭🛸😏

[@whogavehimafork]

This video is the first time I've heard his name or seen his face but I think I'd cry if I met him. I don't know I can't explain it.

[@ffrreeddyy123456]

Brilliant

[@AutisticWombot]

Like Bill Nye, these guys have an oozing passion for science and it's amazing!

[@WhitefoxSpace]

@@AutisticWombot not personally a huge fan of Nye after his Netflix show. He sold out hard. But he did get a lot of people into science presumably and for that you've got to commend him.

[@etcetera662]

@13:49 I absolutely adore seeing this man, who is wiser, more knowledgable, and more accomplished than I could ever hope of being, briefly breaking from his otherwise disciplined demeanor to express un-withheld excitement about something most people might struggle to grasp the significance of

[@kylejonesUB]

WOW. This man...need to be heard. Thank you so much for showing us this footage. His philosophy is one we should all adapt. We would be calmer, better humans. Further, thank you for bringing this project to the spotlight!

[@dullan123]

His philosophy is essentially stoicism. Marcus Aurelius' Meditations is available as an audiobook here on youtube for anyone interested.

[@exoplanets]

Looking forward for the James Webb to find out what nearby planets have *breathable atmospheres*

[@thediamonddust]

Is that so you can GTFO earth 😂? Yeah, me too.

[@gely_]

@viiont eooiy Hes only 70, i think he will be with us for a couple more decades! So he will def see it

[@tropickman]

@@stephenfrancis303 Nonsense much?! Has sneaky marketing completely swayed your logic?! As if a "modern religion". The old ones promised afterlife, the new one promises space ships & colonizing dead rocks; it just needs $100's of billions in taxpayer subsidies to attempt the feat. No guarantees, though. Btw; when you have 2 of something, the value of each immediately sinks greatly.

[@Ranstone]

@@gely_ Agreed. He's intelligent, mentally healthy, and financially can afford medical care. He'll outlive the JWST.

[@veritas41photo]

Who cares whether any planets anywhere else in the entire universe have "breathable atmospheres"? We'll never be able to scientifically prove anything about these exoplanets in any of of lifetimes. So it makes no difference in the long run. The very long run.

[@DeceptivePerspective]

"I'm one of the many.." That's one of the first things he says and it's humble AF

[@Samzter1925]

2 points i leaned from this awesome video. 1. JWST colossal endeavor and potential 2. The doctor’s attitude towards this project Thanks for this

[@JamesBondQ]

So friendly and humble for someone who's probably one of the smartest people on the planet!

[@RalFingerLP]

Also can´t wait to see it in space, the next years will be mind blowing!

[@JamesManimal]

Its going to answer some questions, and raise even more.

[@breakingames7772]

its sad that the rocket exploded after launch, YT got the date of my comment wrong its supposed to be sept 3rd 2022

[@w2quick]

You can not see it. It's too far away

[@robertschnobert9090]

@@w2quick I see

[@DerekMoore82]

They're never gonna launch it.

[@airplaneian]

This is so cool. My mom worked at Goddard and was heavily involved in the COBE mission. She has a lot of fantastic stories about the team there.

[@juandavidbarrada]

Yes, you're right: "Fascinating" is a perfect word to describe not only the interview but this whole video! Thanks a lot!