Short Wave The Radio Wave Mystery That Changed Astronomy
Aug 15, 2022
In this captivating discussion, distinguished astrophysicist Jocelyn Bell Burnell shares the remarkable journey of her discovery of pulsars in 1967, which transformed our understanding of the cosmos. She reflects on the significance of pulsars in measuring cosmic distances and detecting gravitational waves. Regina G. Barber delves into Jocelyn's academic challenges and her passion for astronomy, showcasing how pulsars continue to influence modern science. Celebrate the triumphs and trials of a true pioneer in the field!
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Early Astronomy Interest
- Jocelyn Bell Burnell's interest in astronomy sparked while reading Fred Hoyle's book about galaxies.
- Initially, she dismissed astronomy as a career due to the nocturnal work hours.
Radio Astronomy and Quasars
- Jocelyn pursued radio astronomy because it allowed for daytime work, unlike traditional astronomy.
- During her graduate studies, she increased the number of known quasars from 20 to 200.
Discovering the Unusual Signal
- Jocelyn discovered an unusual signal while analyzing data from the radio telescope.
- Despite initial dismissal, she persisted, eventually confirming the signal's astronomical origin.