New NASA Telescope Sparks Controversy Over Name

As NASA plans to launch a new telescope, controversy rises regarding the name of the instrument.

The James Webb Space Telescope, worth millions of dollars, is finally being launched after 13 years of development. Although the scientific knowledge and discoveries which the telescope promises to reveal are out of this world, there is an ongoing debate regarding its name.

James Webb, a former Undersecretary of State and NASA Administrator, was very influential during his time. He directed NASA during one of its most innovative periods and had a long-lasting impact on the company, which is why the telescope was named in his honor.

However, apart from positive discoveries and research, Webb actively participated in the “Lavender Scare'', a movement that terrorized and persecuted homosexuals during the 20th century. While working at NASA, not only did he avoid giving job opportunities to members of the LGBTQ+ community, but he was fired. He also marched in Anti-LGBTQ movements.

James Webb, after which the telescope is named, has been linked to homophobic activities.

The LGBTQ+ community has always existed but hasn't always been respected. Many, including astronomers and NASA employees, argue that naming the Telescope after a homophobe is disrespectful and damaging to the community. They claim it promotes hate and segregation of the population. But, not everyone seems to agree.

The name has been practically decided over a decade ago, as history shows it's hard to break from the predetermined, expected. Which is the main reason the telescope’s name has not been modified. NASA's administrator Bill Nelson said: "We have found no evidence at this time that warrants changing the name of the James Webb Space Telescope."

The polemic issue is being spotlighted as it is considered a trigger. For some it sparked the limit of going too far, prioritizing insignificant details over potential discoveries, and for others, it's the spark that shows humans can change, and value our morals in every aspect of life, even science.

Bibliography

Wetzel, C. (2021, October 1) NASA Won’t Rename New Space Telescope Despite Anti-LGBTQ Controversy. Smithsonian Magazine. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/nasa-wont-rename-new-space-telescope-despite-anti-lgbtq-controversy-180978793/

Wize, A. (2021, October 1) NASA won’t rename James Webb telescope — and astronomers are angry. Nature https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-021-02678-1

Greenfieldboyce, N. (2021, September 30) Shadowed by controversy, NASA won't rename its new space telescope. NPR. https://www.npr.org/2021/09/30/1041707730/shadowed-by-controversy-nasa-wont-rename-new-space-telescope

Sands, K. (n.d.) NASA Glenn's Historical Timeline. NASA. https://www.nasa.gov/centers/glenn/about/history/timeline.html