Ann Hornschemeier facts for kids
Ann Hornschemeier is an American astronomer. She studies special types of X-ray light from space. She is also a top scientist at NASA. She works on the Physics of the Cosmos program there.
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What She Does
Ann Hornschemeier leads a science group for the NuSTAR telescope. This group looks at seven nearby galaxies. They use powerful X-rays to find and photograph very hot and energetic areas in space.
At NASA, she studies high-energy astrophysics and cosmology. These are fields that look at how the universe works and how it began. She helps plan future space missions.
Studying X-rays
Dr. Hornschemeier focuses on X-ray light from groups of stars called X-ray binaries. She studies these both close to us and very far away in the universe. She uses telescopes in space and on the ground for her research.
She is the Chief Scientist for NASA's Physics of the Cosmos (PCOS) program. This program explores the universe using high-energy light.
Future Space Missions
Ann Hornschemeier is very involved in planning new space missions. She helps lead a science team for the ESA Athena mission. This powerful telescope is set to launch in 2028.
She is also a Deputy Study Scientist for the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) mission. This mission will look for gravitational waves from space. Gravitational waves are ripples in space and time.
Her Education
Ann Hornschemeier earned her Ph.D. in Astronomy and Astrophysics in 2002. She received this degree from Pennsylvania State University. She also has a Master of Science degree from the same university.
Before that, she got her Bachelor of Science degree from Drake University. She studied physics and mathematics there. She graduated with high honors.
Awards and Honors
In 2007, Ann Hornschemeier won the Annie Jump Cannon Award in Astronomy. This award is given to women for their excellent research in astronomy. She won it for her work on X-rays from distant galaxies.
NASA gave her the Early Career Achievement Medal in 2012. This award honors scientists for great achievements early in their careers. In 2016, she became a Fellow of the American Physical Society.
Her Family
Ann Hornschemeier's brother is Paul Hornschemeier. He is an artist, author, and director.
See Also
In Spanish: Ann Hornschemeier para niños