Letters: Truth and the James Webb Space Telescope; stolen bike outcome
Telescope's success built on truth
In an age where “truth” seems to be malleable, it’s reassuring to know that the James Webb Space Telescope is out there and operational. It was launched on Christmas Day 2021. There were a multitude of things that could have gone wrong, making this $10 billion project a complete failure. But it now looks as though it has exceeded the expectations of the 1,200-plus scientists involved in this endeavor. It’s sending back astonishing images of deep space.
In building this telescope, a whole host of scientific disciplines were relied upon. Professional differences were set aside in favor of using only the most accurate, testable methods and procedures. It had to be built on truth. It could only have been successful if it had been built on truth.
A single unfounded calculation could mean that years of hard work and countless resources would be wasted. What's more, it might be decades before something similar to this formidable experiment would be attempted again. When building a space telescope, performing heart surgery, or looking both ways before crossing the street, the truth is still our best friend. In regard to politics, media and the way our government operates, well … that’s another story.
Scott Thompson, Bloomington
Grateful with outcome after bike stolen
On 9/17, my bicycle was stolen from the bike rack outside the Monroe County Public Library. The security camera captured someone removing the cable lock with bolt cutters and riding away during the early afternoon on a busy football weekend.
Through a fortuitous series of events, my bike was recovered and returned to me, undamaged, the same day. I'm very grateful to the security staff at the library and the Bloomington Police Department who helped recover my bike. Everyone took my loss seriously and acted quickly to find my stolen property. While I cannot recover the freedom to park my (locked) bike without fear of theft, I'm very grateful my bike was returned to me.
Jill Bird, Bloomington
This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: Letters: James Webb telescope, the truth and a stolen bicycle
