All articles tagged with #astronomer royal
Prof Michele Dougherty, a planetary scientist and space physicist known for her work on Saturn's moon Enceladus and NASA's Cassini mission, has been appointed the first female UK astronomer royal, highlighting her contributions to space exploration and her role in inspiring future generations in science.
Michele Dougherty becomes the UK's first female Astronomer Royal in 350 years, inspired by her childhood interest in space, and is involved in missions to explore Jupiter's icy moons, aiming to inspire more women in science and highlight the importance of astronomy to the UK.
Sir Francis Graham-Smith, a pioneering figure in radio astronomy and former Astronomer Royal, passed away at 102. His groundbreaking work in radio surveys, pulsar studies, and his leadership at Jodrell Bank significantly advanced our understanding of the universe, including the identification of distant galaxies and the development of major radio telescopes. He was a highly influential scientist, author, and leader in British astronomy, recognized with numerous honors including a knighthood and the Royal Medal.
The Astronomer Royal, Prof Lord Martin Rees, has criticized Elon Musk's plan to establish a colony on Mars, calling it a "dangerous illusion" and stating that solving climate change on Earth should take precedence over seeking refuge on another planet. He believes that space exploration should be left to private pioneers and not be a goal for national governments. Additionally, he expressed concerns about the potential dangers of gain-of-function research in labs and called for better regulation and surveillance of such experiments.
Britain's Astronomer Royal Martin Rees believes that sending humans into space is a waste of public money, as robots can now perform tasks that previously required human presence. He advocates for space exploration to be left to billionaires and those willing to pay for trips themselves, emphasizing that it should only be for those prepared to accept a high level of risk and be privately funded. Rees also expressed skepticism about Elon Musk's ambition to colonize Mars but praised his achievements in rocket and electric car technology.