Haley Gomez on cosmic dust

The Life Scientific

BBC

Technology, Personal Journals, Society & Culture, Science

4.6 • 1.4K Ratings

🗓️ 21 February 2023

⏱️ 29 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

Jim Al-Khalili talks to astrophysicist Haley Gomez about defying expectations and becoming a world expert on cosmic dust. For centuries, cosmic dust was a major source of irritation to optical astronomers because, like smog, it stopped them from seeing the stars. Now studies of these tiny particles are challenging some deeply held assumptions about the physics of the universe. Haley’s research has changed the textbook explanation of how cosmic dust is formed and helped to open our eyes to just how many galaxies there are in the universe. In 2018 she was awarded an MBE for services to physics and inspiring the next generation of physicists and astronomers from less privileged communities. A cause which is very close to her heart. Produced by Anna Buckley and recorded in the Pier Head Building in Cardiff as part of the Cardiff Science Festival.

Transcript

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0:00.0	Before you listen to this BBC podcast, I'd like to introduce myself.
0:03.7	My name's Stevie Middleton and I'm a BBC Commissioner for a Load of Sport Podcasts.
0:08.4	I'm lucky to do that at the BBC because I get to work with a leading journalist, experienced
0:12.2	pundits and the biggest sport stars.
0:14.3	Together we bring you untold stories and fascinating insights straight from the players'
0:18.5	mouths.
0:19.5	But the best thing about doing this at the BBC is our unique access to the sport in world.
0:25.0	What that means is that we can bring you podcasts that create a real connection to
0:28.8	dedicated sports fans across the UK.
0:31.2	So if you like this podcast, head over to BBC Sounds where you'll find plenty more.
0:41.2	Hello and welcome to the podcast edition of The Life Scientific.
0:45.2	I'm Jim Alculli and this is the show where I get to talk to some of the world's leading
0:49.2	scientists and find out what motivates and inspires them.
0:53.3	My guest today is a world expert on Cosmic Dust, a woman who grew up on a counsellor
0:58.2	state in Barry South Wales and entered a world that was utterly alien to almost everyone
1:03.2	she knew.
1:04.2	It's an inspiring personal story and an eye-opening introduction to our new Infrared
1:09.8	view of the universe.
1:11.3	I hope you enjoy listening.
1:13.2	Hello and welcome to The Life Scientific.
1:15.4	Today I'm in the Peerhead Building in Cardiff for the Cardiff Science Festival and I'm
1:20.7	talking to an astrophysicist who grew up just down the road from here in Barry.
	...

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