Unravel the mysteries of the universe with Nobel laureate John Mather. His groundbreaking work on the COBE satellite, which Stephen Hawking described as one of the most significant discoveries ever, forms the foundation of our understanding of the Big Bang Theory. We explore the universe's intricate beginnings, the significance of pink and blue blobs on a cosmic map, and why gravity's role in creating galaxies and stars is crucial. Get ready for a thought-provoking journey that leaves you with more questions than answers about the mysteries of our vast universe. Topics Covered: 00:00 – Innovations through the pursuit of space 02:11– John’s early life 03:45 – Proving The Big Bang Theory 10:15 – ‘The most important discovery of the century, if not. all time.’ 12:15 – James Webb Space Telescope Resources: COBE satellite imagery: https://www.nasa.gov/topics/universe/features/cobe_20th.html Images from the James Webb Telescope: https://webbtelescope.org/images Exoplanet transmission spectrum: https://webbtelescope.org/contents/media/images/2022/032/01G72VSFW756JW5SXWV1HYMQK4 Stay Updated: Find a16z on Twitter: https://twitter.com/a16z Find a16z on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a16z Subscribe on your favorite podcast app: https://a16z.simplecast.com/ Follow our host: https://twitter.com/stephsmithio Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures.
From LASIK eye surgery to precision GPS, space exploration has sparked incredible innovations on our home planet. In this episode, Nobel Prize-winning astrophysicist John Mather delves into his groundbreaking work on the COBE satellite and the James Webb Telescope. We explore the critical role of research investment and discuss the vision of becoming a multi-planetary species 🔔 Head ‘Back to School’ with the a16z podcast. 🔔 To celebrate the season, we’re giving away 12 AirPod Pros – 3 per week (!) – so you can eavesdrop on the future. Full details at: https://a16z.com/podcastgiveaway Topics Covered: 00:00 - Brief history of space exploration 02:29 - Engineering in space for earth 04:14 - Exponential growth 06:34 - Misconceptions about space 08:49 - Can humans be a multi-planetary species? 09:54 - Public trust in research and science 12:02 - What’s the future of space exploration? Resources: COBE satellite imagery: https://www.nasa.gov/topics/universe/features/cobe_20th.html Images from the James Webb Telescope: https://webbtelescope.org/images Exoplanet transmission spectrum: https://webbtelescope.org/contents/media/images/2022/032/01G72VSFW756JW5SXWV1HYMQK4 Find a16z on Twitter: https://twitter.com/a16z Find a16z on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a16z Subscribe on your favorite podcast app: https://a16z.simplecast.com/ Follow our host: https://twitter.com/stephsmithio Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures.
Nobel Prize-winning astrophysicist John Mather illuminates the universe's deepest mysteries. In this episode, we delve into the search for extraterrestrial life, our Mars exploration, and the enigma of what, if anything, existed before the Big Bang. Topics Covered: 00:00 – Universal questions 01:52 - Images from the James Webb Telescope 06:07 - Are we alone? 11:06 - Cosmic dark energy and cosmic dark matter 14:35 - What predates the Big Bang? Resources: COBE satellite imagery: https://www.nasa.gov/topics/universe/features/cobe_20th.html Images from the James Webb Telescope: https://webbtelescope.org/images Find a16z on Twitter: https://twitter.com/a16z Find a16z on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a16z Subscribe on your favorite podcast app: https://a16z.simplecast.com/ Follow our host: https://twitter.com/stephsmithio Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures.