Richard Ellis: When Galaxies Are Born: The Quest for Cosmic Dawn (#337)
Aug 13, 2023
auto_awesome
Richard S. Ellis, a world-renowned observational astronomer, and Professor of astrophysics at University College London, discusses the quest to understand the history of the universe and witness cosmic dawn. The podcast explores topics such as the role of observers in astronomy, advancements in telescopes, the significance of theory in STEM, and mistakes in claiming distances of galaxies.
Observing distant galaxies allows astronomers to study the universe's past and gain insights into its history and evolution.
Technological advancements, from photographic plates to digital detectors, have revolutionized the capabilities of telescopes and enhanced observational capabilities.
Astronomers should maintain open minds, engage with different perspectives, and embrace curiosity to push the boundaries of our understanding.
Deep dives
The Quest for Cosmic Dawn
This podcast episode features Richard Ellis, a distinguished professor and author, discussing his new book 'When Galaxies Are Born: The Quest for Cosmic Dawn.' The episode explores the questions that astronomers are addressing, such as the origins of the universe, its fate, the existence of life elsewhere, and the nature of black holes. Ellis explains how astronomers can time-travel through observing distant galaxies, gaining insights into the history and evolution of the universe. He discusses the advancements in observational cosmology, including the use of powerful telescopes like James Webb Space Telescope. The episode emphasizes the importance of understanding cosmic dawn, the birth of galaxies and the synthesis of elements necessary for life.
Probing the Universe's Past
Richard Ellis delves into the concept of observing distant galaxies as a way to study the universe's past. By measuring the redshift of light from galaxies, astronomers can estimate their distances and look back in time. Ellis shares examples of groundbreaking observations, like the Hubble Ultra Deep Field, which captured thousands of galaxies, and the use of gravitational lensing to unveil remote objects. He also highlights recent progress with the James Webb Space Telescope and how it has extended the frontiers of our understanding, helping us probe closer to cosmic dawn and the emergence of the first galaxies.
Technology as the Gateway to Discoveries
Ellis emphasizes the crucial role of technological advancements in pushing the boundaries of astronomical exploration. From the early days of photographic plates to the modern digital detectors and robotic techniques, technology has revolutionized the capabilities of telescopes. Ellis encourages astronomers to stay updated with new innovations and to actively engage with engineers and instrument designers to leverage the potential of novel technologies. He discusses the significant impact of technological developments in measuring redshifts, obtaining spectra, and enhancing observational capabilities. The episode highlights the importance of coupling enthusiasm for discovery with an interest in advancing astronomical instruments.
The Excitement of Observational Astronomy
Ellis shares his personal experiences and excitement as an observational astronomer. He describes the joy of discovering new objects and making observations in real-time. The episode also touches on the challenges and uncertainties in observational astronomy, mentioning instances where enthusiastic claims turned out to be mistaken. Ellis acknowledges the need for caution and the importance of significance in observations, while also recognizing that occasional unconventional ideas may contain a grain of truth. He encourages astronomers to maintain open minds and engage with different perspectives, fostering creativity and pushing the boundaries of our understanding.
Looking Back Through the Telescope of Time
The episode concludes with a discussion about the profound impact of telescopes as time machines. Ellis reflects on the ability of telescopes to observe distant objects and capture light from the universe's past. He recalls the awe-inspiring nature of astronomy, which allows us to explore the cosmos and witness ancient starlight. Ellis also urges aspiring astronomers and scientists to embrace curiosity, explore new technologies, and pursue their own ideas, even if they may seem unconventional. The episode emphasizes the importance of pushing beyond the limits of what is currently known and engaging in lifelong learning and discovery.
Richard S. Ellis is professor of astrophysics at University College London and a world-renowned observational astronomer who has made numerous discoveries about the nature and evolution of the universe. He lives in Cambridge, UK.
When Galaxies Were Born is Richard Ellis’s firsthand account of how a pioneering generation of scientists harnessed the world’s largest telescopes to decipher the history of the universe and witness cosmic dawn, the time when starlight first bathed the cosmos and galaxies emerged from darkness.
Please join my mailing list 👉 briankeating.com/list for your chance to win a real meteorite 💥!
