Astronomer - John Hill

Today’s guest is literally out of this world. 🚀 Astronomer John Hill (Astronomer Emeritus, University of Arizona) helped build the Large Binocular Telescope (LBT)—two 8.4-meter mirrors on a 600-ton mount—and co-founded the Mirror Lab that makes those massive, lightweight honeycomb mirrors. We talk about: • What astronomers actually do now (hint: no eyepiece—screens & spectra!) • How the LBT works and why “binocular” = two giant mirrors working together • Why mountaintops beat backyards (and when space telescopes are worth the $$$) • Adaptive optics and that jaw-dropping visible-light image of Io’s volcanoes • The Mirror Lab’s biggest uh-oh: a 2-ton glass leak—and the $400k recovery • Careers: the math/physics/CS you need, plus real talk on schedules & all-nighters • AI in astronomy: helpful tool, not a replacement • Math Corner: resolving power—how far apart do the mirrors need to be? • Heart of a Lion: choosing nobility and honoring first responders Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-tiberius-show--3352195/support.