Valerie Thomas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Valerie Thomas
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NASA photograph of Thomas next to a stack of early Landsat Computer Compatible Tapes, 1979
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| Born | February 8, 1943 Maryland, United States
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| Known for | Inventor of the illusion transmitter |
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Valerie L. Thomas (born February 8, 1943) is an amazing American scientist and inventor. She created something called the illusion transmitter, and she got a special patent for it in 1980. She also helped create the digital formats used by NASA's Landsat program to process images from space.
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Early Life and Education
Valerie Thomas was born in Baltimore, Maryland. She finished high school in 1961. This was a time when schools were starting to allow students of all races to learn together.
She went to Morgan State University. There, she was one of only two women studying physics. Valerie was excellent in her math and science classes. She graduated with top honors in physics in 1964.
Her Work at NASA
Valerie Thomas started working for NASA in 1964. She was a data analyst. This meant she helped organize and understand information.
Developing Computer Systems
From 1964 to 1970, she created computer systems. These systems helped control satellite operations in real-time. She also helped lead the Landsat program. This program used satellites to take pictures of Earth from space. Her work helped scientists see our planet better.
Predicting Crop Yields
In 1974, Valerie led a team of about 50 people. They worked on a project called LACIE. This project was a team effort with other big organizations. LACIE showed that satellites could help predict how much wheat would grow around the world. This was a huge step for farming and food supply.
Inventing the Illusion Transmitter
In 1976, Valerie went to a science show. She saw an illusion of a light bulb that looked lit, even though it wasn't plugged in. This trick used another light bulb and special concave mirrors.
This illusion made Valerie curious. She started researching it in 1977. She did an experiment to see how a curved mirror changed what you saw. Through her discoveries, she invented a device called the illusion transmitter.
On October 21, 1980, she received a patent for her invention. NASA still uses this device today. It has also been changed to work with screens on things like surgery tools and televisions. Valerie became a leader in the Space Science Data Operations Office at NASA. Her invention has even been shown in kids' books, TV shows, and video games!
Connecting Scientists Worldwide
In 1985, Valerie managed a big computer facility at NASA. She helped combine two separate computer systems. From 1986 to 1990, she managed the Space Physics Analysis Network (SPAN). This network grew from about 100 computers to 2,700 computers around the world. Valerie's team created this network to help scientists share information and work together better.
By 1990, SPAN became a very important part of NASA's science network. It even helped lead to today's Internet! Valerie also worked on projects about Halley's Comet, ozone research, and the Voyager spacecraft.
Mentoring Young Scientists
Valerie loved to help students. She mentored young people in a program called Mathematics Aerospace Research and Technology Inc. She often spoke to students of all ages, from elementary school to college. She also talked to adult groups.
As a role model, she visited schools and national meetings. She mentored students who worked at the Goddard Space Flight Center during summer programs. She also judged science fairs and worked with groups like the National Technical Association (NTA).
Retirement from NASA
Valerie Thomas retired from NASA at the end of August 1995. She had held many important roles there.
After NASA
After retiring, Valerie continued to work with the UMBC Center for Multicore Hybrid Productivity Research. She also kept mentoring young people through various science programs.
Awards and Recognition
Valerie Thomas has received many awards for her work. These include the Goddard Space Flight Center Award of Merit and the NASA Equal Opportunity Medal.
See also
In Spanish: Valerie Thomas para niños
