Crewed Missions
Humans have been travelling to space since the 1950s.
We have used telescopes to study space for centuries, but it was the invention of massive rockets which finally let us explore space in person.
Valentina Tereshkova
Helen Sharman
Neil Armstrong
Buzz Aldrin
Sheila Kanani
Early Life
Sheila was born in London. Her parents were scientists, but they did not study physics. Sheila was first interested in physics because she wanted to be an astronaut! She graduated in physics with astrophysics at the University of Manchester in 2006. In 2012 she received a doctorate (PhD) in planetary physics from the Mullard Space Science Laboratory. Her research focussed on analysing the magnetic fields of Saturn using data from the Cassini spacecraft
Year born: 1983
Research Areas: Saturn, Planetary Science, Education, Cassini mission
Ricardo Schiavon
Early Life
Ricardo was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. His first degree in astronomy is from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro. Then in 1993, he got a master's degree from the Observatório Nacional in Brazil. Ricardo moved to the University of São Paulo, Brazil to work on a PhD. He was awarded his PhD in 1998.
Research Areas: Galaxy formation, Observational astronomy
"I consider myself extremely lucky to be where I am, do what I do, and to be surrounded by so many amazing people here in Liverpool."
Mario Hamuy
Early Life
Mario was born in Chile. Although his dad was a politician Mario found a love for science. He got degrees in physics and astronomy from the University of Chile.
Year born: 1960
Research Areas: Observational Astronomy, Supernovae, Cosmic Distances
Susan Murabana Owen
Early Life
Susan grew up in Kenya. She studied economics and sociology at University. She also has a Master’s degree in Astronomy.
Susan thinks every child should have the chance to look through a telescope. There are very few astronomers in Kenya. There was also no access to a planetarium when Susan grew up. This made it tough for children to have a go at using a telescope. Many would not know they could do astronomy as a hobby or choose it as a job.
Research Area: Education, Science Communication, Planetariums, and Astronomy
"Astronomy is a huge part of our everyday life and a reminder of how unique and intelligent we are"
Career Paths
Astronomy and astrophysics involve studying and investigating the science of the Universe. It is an unusual science because it deals with extremes. Extreme sizes. From massive galaxies, light-years across to tiny atoms that power the stars. Extreme temperatures. From millions of degrees in the centre of the Sun to 3 degrees above absolute zero in the vacuum of space.