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 Dairy 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)

John Hearnshaw

62 years old, born in Wellington, New Zealand
Place of work: University of Canterbury (Dept of Physics and Astronomy and Mt John Observatory), Christchurch, New Zealand
Website: http://cosmicdiary.org/blogs/john_hearnshaw/

The astounding images of the Universe that captivate so many, and the science that comes from them, are produced at observatories. These iconic institutions are instantly recognisable, with their large telescopes scouring the heavens. Join John Hearnshaw as he takes us on a tour of observatories, revealing how they are vital to modern astronomy.

Emanuel Mumpuni

35 years old, born in Jakarta, Indonesia
Place of work: Indonesian Institute of Aeronautics and Space (LAPAN)
Website: http://cosmicdiary.org/blogs/emanuel_sungging_mumpuni/

The important things are always simple; the simple things are always hard. Take this question: "what is the Sun?" Different people over the ages have answered this in many ways. Is it a source of life? Ethereal light? A giant fireball? God? This article takes a look at our nearest star, from a cultural as well as scientific perspective, along the way discussing topics as varied as ancient Sun worshippers and global warming. Perhaps by the end you'll be able to answer "what is the Sun?" for yourself.

David Barrado Navascues

41 years old, born in Madrid, Spain
Place of work: Laboratorio de Astrofisica Estelar y Exoplanetas (LAEX-CAB, INTA-CSIC)
Website: http://cosmicdiary.org/blogs/david_barrado_navascues/

Like humans and other animals, stars have a life cycle. But how are they "born"? Why do they form in the way that they do, and how does this influence their lives? How important is gravity, or what they are made of, or where they are created? Until relatively recently these were questions it seemed we had little hope of answering, but thanks to modern scientific technology and techniques, the secrets of stars can be revealed to all.

Aude Alapini

24 years old born in Cotonou, Benin
Place of work: University of Exeter, Devon, United Kingdom
Website: http://cosmicdiary.org/blogs/aude_alapini/

It's one of humanity's ultimate questions: are there other planets out in the depths of space, beyond our own Solar System? Thanks to new technology and ingenious astronomers, we now know that there are indeed countless worlds in our Galaxy and beyond. But as they are so far away, how can we know for sure that they are really there? And can we see what it's like on these far-flung worlds? Read on for the answers!

Tijana Prodanovic

29 years old, born in Novi Sad, Serbia
Place of work: University of Novi Sad, Department of Physics Novi Sad, Serbia
Website: http://cosmicdiary.org/blogs/tijana_prodanovic/

Making chemicals in the Universe is almost like following a recipe, which is the theme of this feature. Condensing quarks, getting the right temperature for protons and then cooking up elements are all studied. Everything has to be just right to get high quality results and the timings have to be spot on, otherwise you may end up with some very unexpected results...