Jocelyn Bell Burnell: The Astronomer Who Discovered Pulsars

A Northern Ireland Childhood and Early Passion for Astronomy

Born on July 15, 1943 in Belfast, Northern Ireland, Susan Jocelyn Bell (later Bell Burnell after marriage) grew up in a Quaker family where girls' education was encouraged. Her father, an architect, built her an observatory in the family garden and introduced her to astronomy.

Educational journey:

• 1956-1961: Studied at Mount School, a Quaker boarding school for girls in York
• 1961: Entered the University of Glasgow to study physics
• 1965: Graduated with first-class honors
• 1965: Began her PhD studies at the University of Cambridge under Anthony Hewish

The Revolutionary Discovery of Pulsars (1967)

During her PhD, Bell Burnell worked on building a radio telescope to study quasars. In July 1967, she noticed a regular and mysterious radio signal:

• Periodic signal of 1.33730119 seconds
• Initially interpreted as "LGM-1" (Little Green Men)
• Final identification as a rapidly rotating neutron star - a pulsar
• Published in Nature in February 1968

This discovery is considered one of the most important of the 20th century in astronomy. The 1974 Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded to her PhD supervisor Anthony Hewish for this discovery, creating lasting controversy.

Major Contributions to Astrophysics

1. Pulsar Studies

After her discovery, Bell Burnell continued to study pulsars:

• Discovery of dozens of new pulsars
• Study of their periods, luminosity and evolution
• Contribution to the understanding of neutron stars and supernovae

2. Other Scientific Contributions

Her work also covers:

• Gamma and X-ray astronomy
• Quasars and active galactic nuclei
• Large-scale structure of the universe

Academic Career and Advocacy

Professional journey:

• 1968-1973: Postdoctoral researcher at the University of Southampton
• 1974-1982: Lecturer and researcher at University College London
• 1982-1991: Professor of physics at the Open University
• 1991-2001: Professor of astronomy at the University of Bath
• 2002-2004: President of the Royal Astronomical Society
• 2008-2010: President of the Institute of Physics

Advocacy for gender equality:

• Creation of scholarships for women in physics
• Mentoring of many young scientists
• Promotion of diversity in science

Late Recognition and Legacy

Despite the initial Nobel Prize injustice, Bell Burnell eventually received international recognition:

• 1978: Michelson Prize from the Franklin Institute
• 1989: Herschel Medal from the Royal Astronomical Society
• 1999: Beatrice M. Tinsley Prize from the American Astronomical Society
• 2018: Special Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics ($3 million, which she donated to create scholarships for women, minorities and refugees in physics)
• 2021: Copley Medal from the Royal Society (one of the most prestigious scientific awards)

Honors:

• Asteroid (175025) Jocelynbellburnell
• A telescope at Jodrell Bank Observatory bears her name
• Numerous prizes and scholarships named after her to encourage women in science

Personal Life and Scientific Philosophy

Bell Burnell has always advocated for a human and ethical approach to science:

• Active member of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers)
• Commitment to peace and social justice
• Promotion of accessible and responsible science

She stated: "Science should be a collaborative enterprise where we work together to understand the universe, not a competition for individual glory."