Texas A&M paves the way in one of world’s largest space projects
The Texas A&M astronomy department is paving the way in space imaging. Professor Darren DePoy says the Aggies play a huge role in the world’s largest telescope, the Giant Magellan Telescope.
“Building instruments that will go on that telescope that will allow us to make the science observations to what the universe is like better.”
The program started without even a building.
“There’s only been a really strong presence for about 10 years,” DePoy said.
DePoy says thanks to the generosity of donors and alumni, the Charles R. 62’ and Judith G. Munnerlyn Astronomical Laboratory exists.
Undergraduate astronomer Samantha Hudson says she’s gained a pioneering attitude at A&M.
Hudson says the success of Apollo 11 remains vital for the future.
“Through visiting our closest neighbor we perfect all of our different techniques and all of the technology,” Hudson said. “We will use to eventually get to Mars.”
DePoy said the first man on Mars will only happen if the Aggies continue the hopeful pursuit.
An expectation of what the world will be like in the future kind of hopefulness,” DePoy said. “We’ll continue to do bigger and better things.”
One way the department involves the community is hosting free educational events where you can use the same equipment astronomers do.
The next “Backyard Star Party is August 8th. Scroll down to the related links section for more information.
The post Texas A&M paves the way in one of world’s largest space projects appeared first on KBTX-TV3