Astronomer Dr. Nancy Grace Roman, Mrs. Hubble Space Telescope

Dr. Nancy Grace Roman while still working for the U.S. space agency (Nasa) - (photo dock. In 1962).

Nancy Grace Roman was born on May 16, 1925 in Nashville, Tennessee, and great during the Great Depression America (The Great Depression). One of the most respected astronomers in the U.S. this is the only child the couple husband and wife, geophysicist Irwin Roman and Roman music teacher Georgia Smith. At age 86 years, Dr.. Roman remains in good health and continues to actively take part in his home in Chevy Chase, Maryland.

If astronomy interests you, learn. Even if you are not interested in depth as a profession, you can at it as a hobby.

Regarding its origin is interested in astronomy, Nancy reveals "My interest was prompted when I was 9 or 10 years, I lived in a very dark place, and accustomed to looking at the stars in the sky. I never feel bored. After studying at junior high school, I decided to become an expert science Falaq, and I never changed my mind. "
Many of the challenges facing the Roman Nancy in realizing these ideals. Many people tried to change his mind, saying that astronomy is not a suitable field for women. But he was headstrong, and never regretted his choice was.

Nancy Grace Roman favorite image, the result of shots from the Hubble Space Telescope Nebula July 27, 2009

When Nancy went to college at Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania, in the years 1940s, the field of astronomy has only 2 students only, the two women. "There is absolutely no male students. Nearly all American men that time, went to medang World War II," Nancy recalls. Nancy received a bachelor's degree in astronomy in 1946.

In college at the University of Chicago for his doctoral program, Nancy said, has 10 students majoring in astronomy, including two sophomores. "I do not find a problem with male classmates. I think we get along very well, did not experience significant discrimination. Indeed there are professors who say, do not like the idea of ​​educating a student, because they often dropped out of college for housekeeping, "recalls Nancy.

Roman finally carried off the field of astronomy PhD degree in 3 years later, in 1949. Grace Roman Dr.Nancy soon joined the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory. As a bookworm, Roman was very pleased with the task of doing research.

Images of Neptune taken from the Hubble Space Telescope (26 / 7)

In 1959, he moved to work on U.S. National Space Agency (NASA) and a career there for 20 years. One of his tasks is to become a consultant and led the program design of the Hubble Space Telescope, which then gave him the nickname "The Mother of the Hubble Space Telescope" or "Mrs. Hubble Telescope."

Is astronomy is difficult, so only a few attractive women who want to explore this field? Dr. Roman replied: "I think astronomy is no more difficult than other areas. It requires an interest in science and a certain ability in mathematics and physics. In addition, I think, the girls, especially at secondary school level, a little worried explore this area, part of the reason is because of dealings with them they do not want to look smart. "

What general comments about the science of astronomy and encouragement to many people? "One that I like about astronomy is that it is a very small field of science. Astronomers around the world to know each other. If astronomy interests you, learn. Even if you are not interested in depth as a profession, you can at it as a hobby, "said Roman recommendation to the observer of astronomy.

VOA - J. Taboh
Nancy Grace Roman, 86 years, posing with a model of the Hubble telescope that he designed (photo: doc.).

What activities are now? Persons with the title Doctor Honoris Causa from the four colleges was told: "Talking with the children in the classroom and give a talk in an adult forum, as well as recording the lessons for the blind and children who have learning disorders. That contribution which I hope will be able to continue to do. But I do not want to live past the stage where I should be troublesome and a burden to others. "

Dr. Nancy Grace Roman, in a golden age, continues to pursue his hobbies include reading and visiting museums. Nancy was still actively take part in several organizations, including the American Association of University Women, American Astronomical Society, Association of Women in Science, and International Astronomical Union.