Dan Antion

NASA – JWST – #WATWB

Uh oh, acronyms. What is Dan up to now?

Relax, it’s not math…but it is science…and it’s very exciting.

Are you old enough to remember James Webb? Hint, you would have had to been alive between 1961 and 1968. I was alive, and like most Americans and many others around the world, I was glued to our television set when the achievements he was responsible for were playing out on the small screen (largest TVs in that era were 21-25”- 53-64cm). The photo and caption are from NASA.

James E. Webb ran the fledgling space agency from February 1961 to October 1968. He believed that NASA had to strike a balance between human space flight and science. – NASA

Now, in 2021, James Webb is being honored.

NASA plans to launch the James Webb Space Telescope into orbit Dec. 18, 2021, to serve as the premier deep space observatory for the next decade.

“Webb, an international program led by NASA with its partners ESA (European Space Agency) and the Canadian Space Agency, will launch on an Ariane 5 from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana on the northeastern coast of South America. ESA is providing the Ariane 5.”

NASA

“Webb is an exemplary mission that signifies the epitome of perseverance. … I am inspired by our dedicated team and our global partnerships that have made this incredible endeavor possible. Together, we’ve overcome technical obstacles along the way as well as challenges during the coronavirus pandemic. I also am grateful for the steadfast support of Congress. Now that we have an observatory and a rocket ready for launch, I am looking forward to the big day and the amazing science to come.”

Gregory L. Robinson, Webb’s program director at NASA Headquarters in Washington.

I know, I know, it’s scheduled to launch in December, three months from now. But December is a busy month, and the folks that run WATWB sometimes skip December, and I wouldn’t want this story to be skipped. One last quote from the NASA story:

The Webb telescope’s revolutionary technology will explore every phase of cosmic history – from within our solar system to the most distant observable galaxies in the early universe, and everything in between. Webb will reveal new and unexpected discoveries, and help humankind understand the origins of the universe and our place in it.

NASA

If you want to read the press release, click here. If you want to know more about the James Webb Space Telescope, click here (you really should, it’s so cool). Finally, if you want to know more about James Webb, click here.

The “We are the World” Blogfest continues, well into its third year. This blogfest’s goal is to spread the message of light, hope and love in today’s world. We are challenging all participants to share the positive side of humanity. We hope to share the stories that show kindness, compassion, hope, overcoming challenges and in general, the impressive resilience of the human spirit. Click HERE for more information, guidelines and the hosts for this month’s event. Click HERE to visit the #WATWB Community Facebook page. Special thanks to this month’s co-hosts, – Eric Lahti and Susan Scott .

James Webb Space Telescope packed and ready for shipment to the launch site
This puddle is only present after a big storm.
Uh oh. Maddie loves that puddle and she likes to investigate basketballs.
We had to pay a toll to get back in the driveway
“Ugh, it’s that time of year…”
Just checking out the yard
Mr & Mrs Smokey B. Squirrel
Waning Gibbous Harvest Moon
Maddie, surveying the park
So many weird mushrooms this year
Up the flagpole
We have to know all about this basketball
Maddie’s favorite puddle
I like the way the light reflects off the wet surface
Monarchs like tithonias

73 comments

    • Thanks Judy. I’m glad you like the photos. The recently replaced the flag, and I noticed that it has been shining brighter in the sun. We weren’t sure we were going to see any monarchs this year. It was good to see this one visiting the tithonia. Have a nice week.

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  2. Nice tribute to Mr. Webb.

    Pretty soon Maddie will need her lambs wool blanket on her cot. She looks so cute in that picture. Almost puppy-like.
    Love the monarch on the tithonia. Imaginative shot of Old Glory. I like it. Glad your driveway toll keeper is on the job!
    Ginger

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    • Thanks Ginger. Smokey saw us coming and ran from the neighbor’s yard to his toll booth. It was still in the 50s when we were sitting. I think Maddie would have liked the fuzzy top. Of course, then she goes to sleep and I freeze 🙂

      I hope your week is off to a good start.

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  5. Just yesterday I read a long article about the Webb and I was in awe. Something that will make the Hubble look like an amateur? It boggles what’s left of my mind. Very good to be grounded with puddles and toll collectors. Beautiful capture of the monarch! As for age, oh, yes. In 1961 I was headed to college and (theoretically) adulthood. What times we graduated into! Thanks for the (literal) heads-up!

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    • So you had the full experience of the 60s. What a time to be starting out in life. The telescope is long overdue, and predictably over budget, but we waste so much money in this country, I’m glad to see it ready to fly. I can’t wait to see the results.

      Have a great week.

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  6. I’m impressed, Dan. He ran NASA for a short period of time to have made such an impact. Oy, the bags on the porch–I’m with you, Maddie. What the heck….?? Beautiful moon shot and butterfly shots. Have a great week.

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    • She really acts like it’s her porch and I am intruding with the fall cleanup. I always leave room for us to sit.

      The article on James Webb describes how he was not going to get tangled up in a political race. He was in it for the science.

      I’m glad you like the pictures. I hope your week is off the great start.

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  8. This is great, Dan. I realize we have many continuous problems on the planet to resolve, but I am excited for space travel and discovery. Science has fundamentally made our lives better and it’s always to our benefit to embrace its findings and technology.

    Smokey never gives up on the toll, does he? It’s like he’s the Illinois border, just waiting for the Wisconsinites to cross. :-p

    Have a wonderful Monday and week, Dan!

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  9. I vaguely remember James Webb. Thank you for bringing him to the forefront. Great photos again, Dan, and special kudos for the flag pole photograph. I love the perspective you chose. Have a wonderful day!

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  10. Good story Dan. I cannot where we would be without the scientific contributions of space flight. So many of them are studies and measurements of earth itself. Somehow I feel the science of climate change would be much farther behind its present state were it not for what we have learned and measured from space. And that would also include what it takes to keep a space vehicle inhabitable. And now being able to relate that knowledge to what it takes to keep our slightly larger space ship – earth – habitable. Thanks Dan.

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  12. Hi Dan – excellent mix of ‘catching the stuff that falls out, overflows and just plain doesn’t fit the other containers in your life’ as you blurb about. I don’t remember James Webb – but then he was over there!

    You picked a good day – Landsat is due to be launched – well ‘Landsat 9 is a rebuild of its predecessor Landsat 8’ but I heard that today … and must listen out for more info – I’ve been in meetings. Another post for you perhaps – to explain it?!

    Love the pics of life around Dan and the Editor’s nest … cheers Hilary

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    • Thanks Hilary. I was just asked to explain that statement the other day. The telescope is an effort by US, Europe and Canada, so we should all be hearing about it.

      I’m going to lookup Landsat.

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  22. As much as I like Science and science fiction, it seems like exploring space through a telescope makes more sense right now. I guess I’m more conservative in reality. You’ve got a lot of interesting photos in your gallery. I especially like the flagpole. And the butterfly. And always Maddie.

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  25. This is great news, and well deserved! I remember Webb and those exciting new NASA years. Thank you for posting this now, because December is always crazy, and this story is too important not to be acknowledged.

    Liked by 1 person

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