Data visualization of Hubble cosmology.

Comparing Cosmologies: From the Hooker Telescope Era to the James Webb Space Age

Doug Bentley

A hundred years ago, in the 1920s, the Hooker Telescope at Mount Wilson Observatory in California stood as the world’s largest, with its 100-inch mirror revolutionizing our view of the cosmos. This era marked the birth of modern cosmology, challenging long-held beliefs. Fast forward to today, and the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), launched in 2021, is unveiling secrets of the early universe with unprecedented clarity.

Close-up view of the 100-inch Hooker Telescope.

The Evolution of Astronomical Telescopes: A Century of Cosmic Vision

Doug Bentley

The past century has witnessed an extraordinary transformation in astronomical telescopes, evolving from massive ground-based behemoths limited by Earth’s atmosphere to sophisticated space-faring instruments that peer into the universe’s deepest secrets. This journey, spanning from the aftermath of World War I to the present day, reflects humanity’s relentless quest to understand the cosmos.