Topics Discussed: Telescope, Beginning of the universe, Science and the Soviet Union, What it’s like to be a scientist, Age of the universe, Expansion of the universe, Gravitational waves, BICEP, Nobel prize, Joe Rogan, Recognition in science, Curiosity, Losing the Nobel Prize, Galileo Galilei, Eric Weinstein, Scientific community, James Webb telescope, Panspermia, Origin of life, Aliens, Death and purpose, God, Power.
Brian Keating
Brian Keating is an experimental physicist at the UCSD, author of Losing the Nobel Prize, and host of the Into the Impossible podcast.
Books Mentioned in this Podcast with Brian Keating:
Brian Keating: The Telescope's Transformative Journey
Lex Fridman dives deep into the cosmos with Brian Keating, an esteemed experimental physicist and author. As they traverse the vast expanse of space and time, Keating elaborates on the pivotal role of the telescope, an instrument that has revolutionized our understanding of the universe and our place in it.
The Telescope: Mankind's Window to the Stars
Keating traces the origins of the telescope, debunking the common misconception that it was invented by Galileo. Instead, he attributes its invention to Hans Lippershey from the Netherlands. While Galileo may not have been its inventor, he certainly played a transformative role by enhancing its capabilities, offering humanity a clearer view of the stars.
The Gutenberg Connection
Keating draws a fascinating connection between the advent of movable type, specifically the Gutenberg Bible, and the realization of imperfect eyesight among individuals. This realization subsequently led to the development and enhancement of lenses, setting the stage for the creation of the telescope.
Redefining Our Place in the Cosmos
As the conversation progresses, it becomes evident that the telescope did more than just offer a clearer view of the stars. It fundamentally reshaped our understanding of the universe, challenging long-held beliefs and ushering in new paradigms of thought.