Careering through Astronomy: A Lecture by Professor Jocelyn Bell Burnell
Other
Celebrating 50 years since the discovery of pulsars
Professor Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell is an astrophysicist, best known for her discovery of pulsars — rotating neutron stars that appear to ‘pulse’ since the beam of light they emit can only be seen when it faces the Earth. Her observation, made together with her supervisor, Antony Hewish, is considered to be one of the greatest astronomical discoveries of the twentieth century.
Professor Bell Burnell has since become a role model for young students and female scientists throughout the world. She was appointed to CBE for services to astronomy in 1999, followed by a DBE in 2007. Her story was featured in the BBC Four’s Beautiful Minds, and BBC Two’s Horizon documented her discovery of ‘Little Green Man 1’.
Professor Bell Burnell is an Honorary Fellow and alumnae of Murray Edwards College, founded as New Hall.