Black astronomer
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Black Astronomers: Contributions and Challenges
Emergence of Black Astronomers in the 20th Century
The latter half of the 20th century marked a significant period for the emergence of Black astronomers and astrophysicists. This era saw the rise of the first modern Black African descent researchers in the field of astronomy and astrophysics. Notably, the United States and Nigeria were at the forefront, producing over 90% of these researchers. In the United States, 28 Black astronomers and astrophysicists made significant contributions, while Nigeria accounted for 19 researchers1. This period also saw contributions from South Africa and Eurasia, albeit in smaller numbers1.
Notable Black Astrophysicists
One of the most prominent figures in this field is Neil deGrasse Tyson, who earned his PhD from Columbia University in 1991, becoming the seventh Black astrophysicist globally. Tyson's contributions extend beyond research; he has played a crucial role in education and public outreach as the director of the Hayden Planetarium in New York since 19962. Other notable Black astrophysicists include Benjamin Peery, Arthur Walker, Carl Rouse, Walter Rice, Barbara Williams, and Gibor Basri, each of whom has made significant contributions to various subfields of astronomy2.
Social and Political Contexts
The participation and research of Black astronomers have been influenced by broader social and political contexts. In the United States, the civil rights movement and subsequent policies aimed at increasing diversity in higher education and scientific fields played a crucial role. Similarly, in Nigeria, post-colonial educational reforms and investments in scientific research facilitated the emergence of Black astronomers1. Despite these advancements, the number of Black astronomers remains relatively small compared to the overall community, highlighting ongoing challenges in achieving diversity and inclusion in the field2.
Conclusion
The contributions of Black astronomers and astrophysicists have been significant, particularly in the latter half of the 20th century. Researchers from the United States and Nigeria have been at the forefront, with notable figures like Neil deGrasse Tyson leading the way in both research and public outreach. However, the field still faces challenges in terms of diversity and inclusion, underscoring the need for continued efforts to support and promote Black scientists in astronomy and astrophysics.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
Participation and Research of Astronomers and Astrophysicists of Black African Descent (1900–2005)
Modern astronomers and astrophysicists of Black African descent (1900-2005) have made significant contributions to modern astronomical sciences, primarily in the United States and Nigeria.
The sky is not the limit: Adventures of an urban astrophysicist.
Neil deGrasse Tyson's book chronicles his career as an urban astrophysicist, highlighting the need for more diverse representation in astronomy and highlighting the importance of education and outreach for public understanding.
The Black Cloud—a classic science fiction novel from the pen of an astronomer
The Black Cloud novel by Fred Hoyle can be used in the classroom to derive physical-astronomical tasks, offering insights into distance determination and atmospheric thermodynamics in the 1950s.
Observing black holes spin
Current black hole spin measurements in X-rays, radio, and gravitational waves are constraining models for black hole growth, stellar core collapse, and relativistic jet production.
Highly CitedInvestigating experiences of a Black woman in physics and astronomy
Black women in physics face challenges due to marginalized identities, including lack of support, more than just doing physics, and persistence in physics.
The missing link in gravitational-wave astronomy: discoveries waiting in the decihertz range
A decihertz observatory could discover intermediate-mass black holes, provide early warning of binary neutron star mergers, and advance our understanding of gravitation, particle physics, and cosmology.
Highly CitedWhen primordial black holes from sound speed resonance meet a stochastic background of gravitational waves
Primordial black holes can be probed using various multi-messenger astronomical instruments, including electromagnetic effects and gravitational wave instruments, potentially revealing dark matter candidates.
Highly CitedPrimordial black holes—perspectives in gravitational wave astronomy
Gravitational wave astronomy offers a new tool for searching for primordial black holes, enhancing our understanding of their formation, formation, and future observational constraints.
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