Meet the AAS Keynote Speaker: Prof. Mario Jurić
In this article, we delve into the fascinating world of Professor Mario Jurić, a renowned expert in the field of astronomy and a key figure in one of the most ambitious surveys undertaken, the Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST). As a leader in this groundbreaking project, Jurić is revolutionizing our understanding of the Solar System and the universe at large.
Jurić's journey into astronomy began with a realization during his graduate studies. He discovered that his research involved estimating distances to an astonishing 48 million stars, a feat that was nearly 700 times more extensive than any previous paper on a similar topic. This realization came at a pivotal moment in the history of observational astronomy, marked by the advent of digital surveys. These surveys, utilizing advanced telescopes and cameras, have enabled an unprecedented increase in the number of stars, planets, asteroids, and galaxies that can be studied.
One of the most exciting aspects of Jurić's work is his focus on the Solar System. He is particularly interested in using the LSST to detect and characterize objects such as asteroids and comets that orbit our Sun. Jurić believes that the LSST has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of the Solar System, with the expectation of doubling the number of known asteroids in the next year and a half and tripling them by the end of the survey. Additionally, the project aims to discover almost a factor of 7 more trans-Neptunian objects and a factor of 2 more potentially hazardous asteroids.
Jurić's passion for survey astronomy and his expertise in data-intensive projects are deeply rooted in his background. He credits the digital revolution that occurred around the turn of the century for propelling his career and the field of survey astronomy. The advent of software that was as important as telescopes and cameras allowed for groundbreaking advancements in data collection and analysis.
One of the most significant projects that Jurić has been involved in is the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS). This survey, which began around 2000, has been ongoing and has obtained images and spectra of millions of stars, galaxies, and quasars using a 2.5-meter telescope at Apache Point Observatory in New Mexico. Jurić's work on exoplanet dynamics during his PhD at Princeton, one of the leading institutions in the SDSS collaboration, further solidified his interest in large-scale surveys.
Jurić's transition from exoplanet research to Solar System studies and Milky Way mapping is a testament to his adaptability and expertise. He became a project scientist for data management at the LSST headquarters in Arizona in 2012, but his desire to work closely with students led him to apply for his current position at the University of Washington in 2014. Despite being told that the telescope would be built by 2016, Jurić believes that the wait was worth it, and he encourages others to get involved in the LSST's data goldmine.
One of the unique aspects of the LSST is its emphasis on community access. All of its analysis code is open-source and freely available on Rubin's GitHub, and access is not limited to any specific country or institution. This democratization of science allows anyone to contribute to the project and explore its vast dataset.
However, Jurić also offers a word of caution to students just starting out in research. He advises them to be careful about joining large projects where the payoff is far in the future. With the rapid pace of scientific discovery, he suggests that students should consider pursuing novel or out-of-the-box projects that offer quick feedback and the opportunity to make a significant impact within a few years.
As the LSST continues to make groundbreaking discoveries, Jurić remains a key figure in the project. He is currently busy with the all-consuming nature of working on a once-in-a-quarter-century project, but he makes sure to reserve time for his family and hobbies. This week, he will be giving a Plenary Talk at the AAS248 conference, where he will share some of the first Solar System discoveries and results with the LSST, including potentially exciting new announcements.
In conclusion, Professor Mario Jurić is a visionary astronomer who is pushing the boundaries of our understanding of the universe. His work on the LSST is not only groundbreaking but also accessible to the global astronomical community. As he continues to lead the way in survey astronomy, his contributions will undoubtedly shape the future of our understanding of the cosmos.
