On 24 October 2024, Jocelyn Bell Burnell, one of the most influential astrophysicists in history, will visit La Palma to receive her star on the Paseo de las Estrellas de la Ciencia in Santa Cruz de La Palma. This prestigious award is given to scientists whose discoveries have had a global impact, and in Bell’s case, her work has transformed the way we understand the universe. In addition, Bell will give a public talk, open to all those passionate about astronomy and science, where she will share details about her career and discoveries.
Jocelyn Bell: the pioneer of pulsar discovery
Short biography of Jocelyn Bell
Born in 1943 in Lurgan, Northern Ireland, Jocelyn Bell Burnell showed an endless curiosity for space from a young age. Her academic career led her to study physics at Glasgow University and then to Cambridge University, where, in 1967, as a PhD student, she made one of the most momentous discoveries in modern astronomy: pulsars.
While analysing data from a radio telescope he helped build, Bell detected regular signals that repeated every 1.33 seconds. Initially it was thought that these signals might be of extraterrestrial origin. Later they were identified as coming from a rotating neutron star, what we know today as a pulsar. Although this discovery was revolutionary, the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1974 was awarded only to her supervisor, Antony Hewish. Of course this sparked an intense debate about the role of women in science.
What are pulsars and why are they important?
Pulsars are extremely dense neutron stars that rotate at high speed and emit beams of electromagnetic radiation from their magnetic poles. These beams appear to ‘pulsate’ from Earth, which gives the phenomenon its name. Pulsars not only offer a unique window into the end of the lives of massive stars, but have also allowed precise tests of Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity. In addition, their discovery has been instrumental in the indirect detection of gravitational waves.
These astronomical objects are fundamental for studying extreme phenomena in the universe, such as black holes, supernovae and the structure of *space-time. Bell’s work, and the importance of pulsars, remains a subject of research and fascination in the scientific community.
A life of inspiration for science and equality
Jocelyn Bell’s story has served as an inspiration for future generations of scientists. Her life has been compared to the plot of the movie Contact, where a young scientist also detects space signals. Although not based directly on her biography, the similarities are remarkable, as both star in radio astronomy discoveries that revolutionise knowledge of the cosmos.
Bell has used her fame to promote *gender equality in science* and has been a strong advocate for inclusion and diversity in scientific fields. Her lectures around the world, such as the one she will give on La Palma, are a unique opportunity to learn from her immense wisdom and experience.
La Palma: a privileged setting for astronomy
The choice of La Palma to honour Jocelyn Bell is no coincidence. The island, renowned for its dark skies and for being a Starlight Reserve, is home to the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory. This observatory named Roque de Los Muchachos is one of the most important astronomical complexes in the world. This observatory houses the Gran Telescopio Canarias (GTC), the largest optical telescope on the planet, from which celestial objects such as the very pulsars Bell discovered are investigated.
In addition to the ceremony, visitors will have the opportunity to take part in astro-tourism activities on the island, a practice that is booming thanks to the clarity and quality of the night sky on La Palma. Jocelyn Bell’s talk and the recognition in the Paseo de las Estrellas further reinforce the island’s connection with the universe.
How to participate in the event?
Jocelyn Bell’s public talk and star award ceremony will take place on 24 October 2024 in Santa Cruz de La Palma, as part of the Astrofest La Palma 2024 programme. For more details and booking of astro-tourism related activities in La Palma, you can visit our website LaPalmastars.com.
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