Jocelyn Bell Burnell: The woman who discovered pulsars

Jocelyn Bell Burnell is one of the most influential and admired figures in the field of astronomy, although for a long time her name was on the margins of the recognition it deserved. This British astrophysicist is best known for her discovery of pulsars in 1967, a milestone that forever changed our understanding of the universe. Despite the importance of his discovery, it was another scientist who received the Nobel Prize for his work, which has generated controversy for decades.

Born on July 15, 1943 in Lurgan, Northern Ireland, Jocelyn Bell Burnell From a young age he showed an interest in science and the stars. His father, an architect by profession, designed the Armagh Planetarium and instilled in him a curiosity about the cosmos. Although her initial education was at an all-girls school that did not offer science, Bell Burnell broke barriers from a young age. Her parents insisted that she and other girls have the opportunity to study science, which paved their way to academic success.

After attending the Mount School at York, a Quaker school, Bell Burnell was admitted to the University of Glasgow to study physics, where he graduated with honors in 1965. Later, he began his doctorate in radio astronomy at the Cambridge Universitywhere his life and astronomy were about to change forever.

The Discovery of Pulsars

During his time at Cambridge, Bell Burnell worked under the supervision of astronomer Antony Hewish in the construction of a radio telescope to study quasars. It was at that time, in 1967, that Jocelyn, still a doctoral student, noticed something unusual in the data she was analyzing: a pattern of very regular and fast radio signals, coming from a fixed place in the sky.

Initially, these signals were so precise that Bell Burnell and his team considered the possibility that they were signs of extraterrestrial life, jokingly referring to them as “Little Green Men”. However, they quickly realized that they were facing something much more extraordinary. Bell Burnell had discovered what would later be known as a pressa neutron star that emits electromagnetic radiation at regular intervals due to its rapid rotation.

(Photo: Wikimedia Commons)

The Nobel Prize Controversy

The discovery of pulsars is one of the most important advances of the 20th century in astronomy, since it provided compelling evidence about the existence of pulsars. neutron starsan object that until then only existed in theory. However, in 1974, when the Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded for the discovery of pulsars, the winners were Antony HewishBell Burnell’s supervisor, and Martin Ryleanother prominent radio astronomer. Jocelyn Bell Burnell was not recognized, despite being the one who had identified and documented the signs.

This decision generated considerable controversy within and outside the scientific community. Many questioned Bell Burnell’s exclusion, arguing that his contribution had been crucial. However, in several interviews, Bell Burnell has always shown a humble stance, stating that the award was given fairly to his superiors. However, for many, she remains an example of gender inequality in science.

Continuous Contributions to Science

Although the Nobel incident left a mark on her early career, Jocelyn Bell Burnell did not let it curb her passion for scientific research and education. After earning his PhD, Bell Burnell worked at several prestigious academic institutions and continued to contribute to the field of astronomy and physics.

In her decades of work, Bell Burnell has been a tireless advocate for inclusion and diversity in the sciences. In particular, he has advocated greater participation of women and underrepresented groups in scientific and technological careers. Her influence has not only been scientific, but also social, fighting against the barriers that women face in fields traditionally dominated by men.

Late Recognitions

Over the years, Jocelyn Bell Burnell has received numerous awards and honors in recognition of her work and her impact on science. In 2018, he won the Special Breakthrough Award in Fundamental Physics, an award accompanied by a cash prize of three million dollars. In a gesture that reflects her character, Bell Burnell donated the entire prize to fund scholarships for women, minorities and refugees who wish to study physics, continuing her work to make science more accessible to all.

Throughout her career, she has been president of the Royal Astronomical Societyhe Institute of Physicsand the Royal Society of Edinburghamong other leadership roles. His influence and legacy in science continue to grow, both for his contributions to astronomy and his tireless promotion of equity in the field.

What Are Pulsars and Why Are They Important?

The discovery of the pulsars revolutionized astronomy. A pulsar is a neutron star highly magnetized that spins rapidly, emitting beams of electromagnetic radiation from its magnetic poles. As the star rotates, these beams sweep through space like a beacon, making them detectable from Earth as regular pulses of radiation.

Pulsars have been instrumental in testing fundamental theories in physics, including general relativity by Albert Einstein. These objects are also used by astronomers to study space-time and measure astronomical distances with great precision. Furthermore, pulsars in binary systems have allowed indirect confirmation of the existence of gravitational wavesone of the most important predictions of general relativity.

Inspiration for Future Generations

Jocelyn Bell Burnell’s legacy goes far beyond her discovery of pulsars. His career is an example of perseverance, humility and commitment to science. In a world where women have traditionally been underrepresented in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) fields, Bell Burnell has challenged norms and paved the way for future generations of female scientists.

His contributions to scientific knowledge and his dedication to improving diversity in science have left an indelible mark on history. Today, Jocelyn Bell Burnell He is an icon not only for his academic achievements, but for his tireless efforts to make the world a place where more people have access to science and the opportunity to change the world through it.