5/7/2002: Cool new Hubble image

[tw]

Originally posted by Nothing But Net
To me, that's like saying what number equals infinity?

Its all about what promises to be the next fundamental wave of technology - quantum physics. You many see pretty pictures. That is good for public relations since most here would neither understand nor stay awake for the quantum physic questions being answered and asked by those pictures.

Whether it be the creation of new materials, basis of new computer programs, communication and security, converting nuclear waste into safe materials, medical techniques (what does PET scan stand for?), transmission and generation of energy (ie superconductivity), etc. Most research in most technologies now involves various aspects of quantum physics. Unlike the ISS, Hubble has a scientific purpose well beyond pretty pictures.