P_E_T_E_R
Aktives Mitglied
Am 1. März forderten vier amerikanische Astronomen in einem Artikel im Scientific American die NASA auf, die Benennung des nächsten großen Raumteleskops nach dem früheren Administrator James E. Webb aufzuheben, weil dieser in seiner Zeit als Unterstaatssekretär im State Department und als Administrator der NASA die Diskriminierung und Entlassung von homosexuellen Angestellten durchgesetzt habe und deshalb kein ehrenwertes Vorbild sein könne:
The James Webb Telescope Needs to Be Renamed
When Webb arrived at NASA in 1961, his leadership role meant he was in part responsible for implementing what was by then federal policy: the purging of LGBT individuals from the workforce. When he was at State, this policy was enforced by those who worked under him. As early as 1950, he was aware of this policy, which was a forerunner to the antigay witch hunt known today as the lavender scare.
Now that we know of Webb’s silence at State and his actions at NASA, we think it is time to rename JWST. The name of such an important mission, which promises to live in the popular and scientific psyche for decades, should be a reflection of our highest values.
Die NASA versprach eine Untersuchung der Vorwürfe. Am 27. September gab es dann eine knappe Erklärung vom derzeitigen NASA Administrator Bill Nelson:
“We have found no evidence at this time that warrants changing the name of the James Webb Space Telescope.”
Dazu schreibt jetzt die New York Times
This has infuriated many astronomers, and some 1,200 have signed a petition calling for the telescope to be renamed. “Under Webb’s leadership, queer people were persecuted,” the petition reads, in part. “Those who would excuse Webb’s failure of leadership cannot simultaneously award him credit for his management of Apollo.”
The James Webb Telescope Needs to Be Renamed
When Webb arrived at NASA in 1961, his leadership role meant he was in part responsible for implementing what was by then federal policy: the purging of LGBT individuals from the workforce. When he was at State, this policy was enforced by those who worked under him. As early as 1950, he was aware of this policy, which was a forerunner to the antigay witch hunt known today as the lavender scare.
Now that we know of Webb’s silence at State and his actions at NASA, we think it is time to rename JWST. The name of such an important mission, which promises to live in the popular and scientific psyche for decades, should be a reflection of our highest values.
Die NASA versprach eine Untersuchung der Vorwürfe. Am 27. September gab es dann eine knappe Erklärung vom derzeitigen NASA Administrator Bill Nelson:
“We have found no evidence at this time that warrants changing the name of the James Webb Space Telescope.”
Dazu schreibt jetzt die New York Times
This has infuriated many astronomers, and some 1,200 have signed a petition calling for the telescope to be renamed. “Under Webb’s leadership, queer people were persecuted,” the petition reads, in part. “Those who would excuse Webb’s failure of leadership cannot simultaneously award him credit for his management of Apollo.”
