Lucianne Walkowicz facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lucianne Walkowicz
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Lucianne Walkowicz in 2017
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| Born | 1979 (age 46–47) New York City, U.S.
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| Alma mater | Johns Hopkins University University of Washington |
| Spouse(s) | Frank Okay |
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| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Astronomy, performing arts, activism |
| Institutions | UC Berkeley Princeton University Adler Planetarium |
| Thesis | Self-Consistent Quiescent Model Atmospheres for M Dwarfs (2008) |
| Doctoral advisor | Suzanne L. Hawley |
Lucianne Walkowicz (born 1979) is an American astronomer, an artist, and an activist. They use they/them pronouns. Until 2022, they worked at the Adler Planetarium. Lucianne is well-known for their research on how stars' magnetic fields affect whether planets around them can support life.
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Exploring the Stars
Lucianne Walkowicz has been involved in many exciting projects. Since 2008, they have led a team for the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST). This telescope helps scientists study stars that change in brightness. They also started a special program called the LSST Data Science Fellowship. This program helps train future scientists in how to use big sets of data from space.
Lucianne is also famous for working to protect our dark night skies. This means trying to reduce light pollution so we can see the stars better. For their important work, they were named a Kavli Fellow by the National Academy of Sciences in 2011. They also became a TED Senior Fellow in 2012, which means they give talks about their ideas to a wide audience.
In 2017, Lucianne was chosen for a special role at the Library of Congress. They worked on a project about human exploration of Mars. Their goal was to create a plan for exploring Mars that includes everyone's ideas. They wanted to combine new research about Mars with lessons from Earth's history of exploration.
Education and Early Work
Lucianne Walkowicz studied physics and astronomy at Johns Hopkins University. They then earned their master's and doctorate degrees in astronomy from the University of Washington. While at Johns Hopkins, they helped test parts for the Hubble Space Telescope. This early experience helped them discover their passion for astronomy.
In 2021, Lucianne stepped down from a committee at NASA. This was because they disagreed with NASA's response to concerns about the naming of the James Webb Space Telescope.
Lucianne also helped start the JustSpace Alliance with Erika Nesvold. This group works to make space exploration fair and ethical for everyone. They believe that thinking about a better future in space can help us create a more just world today.
Public Appearances
Lucianne Walkowicz has appeared in several documentaries and TV shows, sharing their knowledge about space and science:
- They were in Werner Herzog's 2016 documentary Lo and Behold.
- They appeared in National Geographic's TV series MARS.
- They were featured on WGN Evening News in 2020, talking about the "Christmas Star" (a rare alignment of Jupiter and Saturn).
- They appeared in Discovery’s 2022 documentary "Last Exit: Space.”
Awards and Recognition
An asteroid, 205599 Walkowicz, was named in Lucianne's honor. This asteroid was discovered in 2001. The official naming was announced in 2013.
Personal Life and Art
Lucianne Walkowicz is a movement artist. They practice aerial circus arts, like Aerial Silks and Lyra. In 2019, they performed a piece called “40 Orbits” at Carnegie Hall.
See also
In Spanish: Lucianne Walkowicz para niños
