![]() It was quite terrifying at times to wonder what would happen to the future of astronomy if this telescope failed now that it has arrived and is working superbly, I, for one, am elated. The James Webb telescope offers, quite literally, a new way to look at our universe, and we are starting to see things we have never seen before. Q: And how did you think about what you saw from your perspective as an astronomy professor and researcher?Ī: The first images show how much we have been missing. They are at once familiar and otherworldly. I have seen Stephan’s Quintet and the Carina Nebula before, but the James Webb telescope pictures convey them with such power and beauty. What initially went through your mind as you looked through those images?Ī: I was really surprised at how awestruck I was. Q: Earlier this month, most of us were in awe of the images of galaxies NASA shared from its James Webb Space Telescope. As an astronomer, there is a whole universe of puzzles for me to choose from. I love solving puzzles, but sometimes, when the puzzle is something you have to do, it can feel a lot like work. Q: Why was this something you wanted to pursue professionally?Ī: I figured it’s better than getting a real job. ![]() These extra dimensions of personality really appealed to me. He was just doing some rock climbing before class. One once plopped down a bunch of rock-climbing gear at the beginning of a lecture then proceeded to talk the whole period without ever mentioning it. I started with engineering since I liked figuring out how things worked, but I gravitated to physics and astronomy, at least in part because I thought the professors were more interesting people. Q: What drew you to become interested in this area of study?Ī: remained a hobby of mine into college when it came time to decide on a major. Being near the coast we also get the gentle ocean breeze, which affords us much sharper views of the stars than the turbulent air further inland. Better yet, the low clouds block some of the light pollution from the cities and make the nights even darker. What have you come to learn about the surrounding area over the years and its place in the study of astronomy?Ī: The Mount Laguna Observatory sits at 6,100 feet (500 feet higher than our colleagues to the north at Palomar Observatory, but who’s counting!), so when the marine layer of clouds sets in in typical May-gray/June-gloom fashion, we are usually in the clear above the clouds. Q: You’ve been director of SDSU’s Mount Laguna Observatory since 2014. And, there are four taco shops within walking distance! There are lots of friendly waves when people walk or drive by. Several families welcomed us to the neighborhood soon after we moved here, and our kids became fast friends. We have great neighbors where we live in College Area. I have seen the thrill of San Diegans glimpsing their first view of the Milky Way while camping in Mount Laguna, and I would say it is worth protecting these views for future generations to enjoy as well. ![]() Light pollution breaks this connection by hiding the stars. From a dark site, you might see the same stars that your great-great-great grandparents enjoyed on their first date, or that dazzled our ancient ancestors thousands of years before. Q: And what is significant about the work to preserve the darkness of night skies? Why does that lack of light in the sky matter?Ī: Dark, star-filled skies give us connection to our past and - hopefully - our future. ![]() No one sets out to hide the stars behind the glare of electric lights, but just as trash collects in our rivers and beaches, the natural beauty of the night sky can be destroyed by light indiscriminately cast by outdoor lighting. This could be a streetlight shining through a bedroom window that gives you a rough night of sleep, although astronomers usually use the term when discussing the light that spills onto the night sky and obscures the stars. Q: In the description for your talk, the San Diego County Library’s website mentions the Hidden Skies Foundation, a nonprofit run by high school students based in Los Angeles, and its work to “preserve dark skies for future generations.” First, can you talk about light pollution?Ī: Any human-made light that shines where it is not needed, is not helpful, or is just generally a waste, is light pollution. He took some time to talk about his work, his first impressions of the breathtaking images from NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope, and the time he played in a “Reel Big” Southern California ska band. He’s received awards for his research and work from the Astronomical Society of the Pacific, the American Physical Society, and a share of the 2014 Breakthrough Prize in fundamental physics. Quimby, 45, lives in the College Area with his wife, Mika, and their two girls. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |