Cosmic Diary Logo

Meet the astronomers. See where they work. Know what they know.


The Project:

The Cosmic Diary is not just about astronomy. It's more about what it is like to be an astronomer.

The Cosmic Diary aims to put a human face on astronomy: professional scientists will blog in text and images about their lives, families, friends, hobbies and interests, as well as their work, their latest research findings and the challenges that face them. The bloggers represent a vibrant cross-section of female and male working astronomers from around the world, coming from five different continents. Outside the observatories, labs and offices they are musicians, mothers, photographers, athletes, amateur astronomers. At work, they are managers, observers, graduate students, grant proposers, instrument builders and data analysts.

Throughout this project, all the bloggers will be asked to explain one particular aspect of their work to the public. In a true exercise of science communication, these scientists will use easy-to-understand language to translate the nuts and bolts of their scientific research into a popular science article. This will be their challenge.

Task Group:

Mariana Barrosa (Portugal, ESO ePOD)
Nuno Marques (Portugal, Web Developer)
Lee Pullen (UK, Freelance Science Communicator)
André Roquette (Portugal, ESO ePOD)

Jack Oughton (UK, Freelance Science Communicator)
Alice Enevoldsen (USA, Pacific Science Center)
Alberto Krone Martins (Brazil, Uni. S. Paulo / Uni. Bordeaux)
Kevin Govender (South Africa, S. A. A. O.)
Avivah Yamani (Indonesia, Rigel Kentaurus)
Henri Boffin (Belgium, ESO ePOD)

Science Leave in Potsdam

Finally a post! Last week I was a guest at the Astrophysical Institute in Potsdam,

September 16th, 2009 | posted by Thomas Dall in Astronomy, Personal, Science, travel

Visits from the World

I have not been posting a lot lately, mostly because it’s vacation time, and we’re having friends visiting us.

July 24th, 2009 | posted by Thomas Dall in ESO, Family, Personal

Summertime…

It’s been a while… I’m taking a bit of vacation, but not too many days in a row because phase 2 is upon us!

July 13th, 2009 | posted by Thomas Dall in Family, Personal, Support Astronomer

How to mistake a starspot for a planet

One of the most exciting developments over the past ten years or so is the continuing discoveries of more and more extra-solar planets.

June 25th, 2009 | posted by Thomas Dall in Astronomy, Science

Magnetic fields and “activity”

Stars are mostly like the Sun: A sphere of very hot gas where nuclear reactions in the interior provides energy which it radiates as light and heat. But there’s more.

June 17th, 2009 | posted by Thomas Dall in Astronomy, Science

Research time… V.S.O.P!

A lot of good stuff came out of the week I spent with Cedric. We’re on track to release a colossal amount of V.S.O.P. data to the public before the end of the year.

June 9th, 2009 | posted by Thomas Dall in Astronomy, ESO, Gemini, Science

Visiting Grenoble - say “cheese”!

Just back from a very nice and productive stay in Grenoble - thanks Cedric! This was a science trip so focus was naturally on our projects.

May 12th, 2009 | posted by Thomas Dall in Science, travel

Science visit in Grenoble

This week I am visiting my old friend and colleague Cedric Foellmi in Grenoble in southern France.

May 5th, 2009 | posted by Thomas Dall in Astronomy, Personal, Science, travel

“What is it used for…?”

A common question. “What can your research be used for?” Unlike for example biochemistry, astronomy has a more immediate public appeal, but it is also less obvious what it can be used for.

April 29th, 2009 | posted by Thomas Dall in Astronomy, Personal, Science

Time for research

With the observing semester (Period 83) well underway, I’m taking some time to concentrate on some of my research projects.

April 22nd, 2009 | posted by Thomas Dall in Astronomy, ESO, Science