DeepSummary
The episode begins with an advertisement for Bluechew, a chewable form of Viagra and Cialis available through an online prescription service. Moving on from the ad, the host John Batchelor interviews guest Bob Zimmerman, author of 'Universe in a Mirror', about the current status of the Hubble Space Telescope and its recent transition to operating with just one gyroscope.
Bob Zimmerman explains that Hubble was designed to function with at least three gyroscopes to control its orientation and positioning. Recently, a fourth gyroscope failed, leaving the telescope with only two operational gyros. NASA decided to go into a 'one-gyro mode' and keep the remaining gyro in reserve. Surprisingly, despite concerns over image quality, the first image released from this new one-gyro mode appears to be quite sharp.
Zimmerman discusses the need for a rescue mission to potentially replace the failed gyroscopes and boost Hubble's orbit. While NASA seems reluctant, he suggests that successful private spacewalks could reignite interest in a private rescue mission for Hubble. The episode also touches on subjects like a recently observed 'active' galaxy, ancient Roman wine, and peculiar Martian landslides.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- The Hubble Space Telescope has transitioned to operating with just one functional gyroscope, raising concerns about its ability to maintain image quality and scientific productivity.
- Despite initial doubts, the first image captured in the 'one-gyro mode' appears surprisingly sharp, though overall output may be reduced.
- NASA is considering potential rescue missions, either by themselves or through private partnerships, to replace failed gyroscopes and extend Hubble's operational lifespan.
- The episode touches on other space-related topics, such as the observation of an 'active' galaxy, the discovery of ancient Roman wine, and peculiar Martian landslide patterns.
- Guest Bob Zimmerman, author of 'Universe in a Mirror', expresses frustration with the astronomical community's lack of progress in developing new space-based optical telescopes, despite Hubble's demonstrated potential.
- The episode features advertisements for products like Bluechew (a chewable form of Viagra and Cialis) and the Chumba Casino online gaming platform.
- The discussion emphasizes Hubble's remarkable resilience and the ongoing efforts by scientists and engineers to extend its operational lifetime through repairs and potential rescue missions.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “There's, you know, this telescope is a telescope, I say, in the universe in a mirror. I point out that this is a telescope that won't die.“ by Bob Zimmerman
- “NASA's been talking about deorbit missions for years, and yet the result, all that's ever happened is another repair mission gets launched.“ by Bob Zimmerman
- “And so this is just another example. NASA's been talking about deorbit missions for years, and yet the result, all that's ever happened is another repair mission gets launched.“ by Bob Zimmerman
- “All this really tells me is the astronomical community should get its act together and start developing large optical telescopes into space, because Hubble's shown the potential there and they just haven't taken advantage of it.“ by Bob Zimmerman
- “It's really a shame that the western astronomers have just not pushed for more optical telescopes than orbitron.“ by Bob Zimmerman
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Episode Information
The John Batchelor Show
John Batchelor
6/22/24
https://behindtheblack.com/behind-the-black/points-of-information/scientists-release-first-image-from-hubble-in-one-gyro-mode/
1958