If we had to come up with a name for the largest library in the world, we would certainly have a lot of opportunities. Poets, printers, playwrights, journalists… The options are almost endless. But no one would think of christening him in honor of Torquemada. Yes, he was connected to the books in some way, but the persecution he carried out as an inquisitor is nothing to be proud of. Therefore it is surprising that James Webb baptized in honor of the one who was behind the persecution of many people for his sexual orientation
It is for this reason that, after NASA decided to name it that way, part of the scientific community threw up their hands. Astrophysicists from around the world were quick to express their displeasure both through social networks and directly, letter to the space agency. He recalled some unethical actions James Webb and fix name of the space telescope
However, NASA responded to the criticism by assuring that after investigating the matter, they concluded that there was no reason or sufficient evidenceWe change your mind to the name of James Webb. One of the scientists who signed this letter is an astrophysicist Lucianna Walkovich, resigned as advisor to the agency, and many other scientists joined in expressing their dissatisfaction. It did not help. The telescope was launched last December 25 with original name. Since then, he has made great strides. However, dissatisfaction with this name has led to an unwritten rule among some scholars to refer to it as JWST.
Who was James Webb?
James E. Webb was second NASA administrator with a fixed position. His mandate came after Dr. Keith Glenn and distribute from 1961 to 1968why he was at the head of the agency during the main part of the planning of the first apollo missions, with which people first landed on the moon. This might be a good reason to name a space telescope after him, were it not for the longer story.
Prior to joining NASA, James Webb was deputy head of the US State Department. There he held a prominent position in the movement known as lilac horror. This consisted of harassing and firing anyone official suspected of homosexuality. At least 91 employees were laid off “for security reasons.” The reason they were covering up was because homosexuality was a mental disorder and in turn there were sectors that accused these people of links to communism, which had previously promoted the Red Terror.
As if that wasn’t enough, after James Webb’s arrival at NASA layoffs for LGBTI They went to the agency. One of those who lost their job after long interrogations was a budget analyst. Clifford Norton. His case report stated that he was fired for “immoral, obscene and shameful behavior”.
Scientists vs. Name Chosen by NASA
March 2021 Wallkovich herselftogether with astrophysicists Brian Nord, Sarah Tuttle and Chanda Prescod-Weinsteinpublished in Scientific American very controversial letter. In it, they declared their opposition to the name chosen by NASA and requested that another name be chosen before launch.
“The name of such an important mission, which promises to live on in the popular and scientific psyche for decades, should be a reflection of our highest values.”
Lucianna Wallkovich, Brian Nord, Sarah Tuttle and Chanda Prescod-Weinstein, astrophysicists
They recall that, despite attempts to clear his name over the years, in 1950 Undersecretary of State Carlisle Humelsin submitted to James Webb a series of memorandums that included “the aims and methods of the Senate Committee established explore the problemThey also point out that Webb himself shared this information in a meeting with Senator Clyde Howey of North Carolina. And also that “the records clearly show that he planned and participated in the meetings during which he spoke homophobic material“.
Unfortunately, there was nothing useful in the letter, and NASA continued its work. original plan. This decision caused further discontent as details of NASA’s internal investigation into James Webb were not released to the public. Valkovich resigned from her position as an adviser to the agency. Meanwhile, other scientists decided to show their rebellion with this unwritten rule not to mention the telescope, as it was dubbed.
JWST is the Lord Voldemort of telescopes, and the truth is that those who make this decision are right. After all, as four astrophysicists wrote in their letter, “the legacy of James Webb antithesis of sleep and feeling of freedom Inspired by the exploration of deep time and deep space. Looking at the sky should evoke a feeling of freedom. To do so through the eyes of an instrument baptized as the one who rejected so many people for the love of freedom does not seem to be the best tribute.
Source: Hiper Textual
