Wendy Freedman: This telescope might show us the beginning of the universe

Wendy Freedman discusses the significance of the Andes for astronomy, focusing on the Giant Magellan Telescope (GMT). She highlights the telescope's capabilities, such as its potential to discover life on exoplanets and study the universe's origins. The talk emphasizes the importance of international collaboration in astronomy and the inspiring potential of these scientific endeavors.

Why do astronomers prefer remote locations like the Andes mountains for their observations?

• To use the natural resources available

• To avoid city lights that block the night sky

• To be closer to the stars

• To avoid interference from other telescopes

What is the expected resolution of the Giant Magellan Telescope compared to the Hubble Space Telescope?

• 5 times better

• 10 times better

• 15 times better

• 20 times better

What is the significance of the GMT's ability to detect a single candle on the Moon?

• It demonstrates the telescope's speed

• It indicates the telescope's durability

• It shows the telescope's ability to detect faint objects

• It highlights the telescope's size

What is the primary goal of the GMT project?

• To replace the Hubble Space Telescope

• To discover new galaxies

• To find life on other planets

• To study the cosmic dawn

Which historical figure is known for displacing the Earth from the center of the universe?

• Galileo Galilei

• Isaac Newton

• Nicolaus Copernicus

• Albert Einstein

What is the role of dark matter in the universe?

• It is the main component of stars

• It is responsible for the universe's expansion

• It emits light that we can see

• It has a gravitational pull that affects galaxies

What are exoplanets?

• Planets within our solar system

• Planets orbiting other stars

• Planets that are no longer in existence

• Planets that are made entirely of gas

How many mirrors will the Giant Magellan Telescope have when completed?

• Eight

• Seven

• Five

• Six

Which countries are involved in the GMT project?

• USA, Germany, and France

• USA, China, and India

• USA, Brazil, and South Korea

• USA, Russia, and Japan

What is the precision level of the GMT mirrors?

• One-tenth of an inch

• One-hundredth of an inch

• One-thousandth of an inch

• One-millionth of an inch