Sir, – We have seen so much throughout history and in the news lately which shows how destructive and cruel we humans can be. But the James Webb Space Telescope bears witness to our amazing creativity, our dedication to the pursuit of truth, our wonder at the universe around us and at the beauty of our own tiny planet, the “pale blue dot” which dwells in the vast cosmos. We all share the excitement in this new instrument of discovery which will enable us to venture even further from what Carl Sagan called “the shores of the cosmic ocean” to explore the stars.
A new adventure begins. – Yours, etc,
P GORMLEY,
Blessington,
Co Wicklow.
Sir, – Seeing the breathtakingly beautiful technicolour image, taken by Nasa’s James Webb Space Telescope, of the swirling cosmic cliffs of the Carina nebula on the front page of The Irish Times (July 13th) reminded me of Joni Mitchell singing “We are stardust/We are golden”. Through this magical telescope we will see more clearly back in time, close to the dawn of creation. Made from the same swirling, primordial stardust we should also see more clearly who we truly are. – Yours, etc,
CHRIS FITZPATRICK,
Dublin 6.