An Astronomer from the ESO, the European Southern Observatory, visits LOD!

We had an amazing visitor today! Sangeeta Mysore of the European Southern Observatory, ESO, of Garching, near Munich (Germany), visited the Ladies of Distinction Girls Mentoring Program at Northeast Middle School.

Mysore is apart of an amazing organization that builds and operates a suite of the world's most advanced ground-based astronomical telescopes. The ESO, is the foremost intergovernmental astronomy organization in Europe and the world's most productive astronomical observatory. ESO provides state-of-the-art research facilities to astronomers and is supported by several European countries. ESO's main mission is to provide state-of-the-art research facilities to astronomers and astrophysicists, allowing them to conduct front-line science in the best conditions. 

The ESO 3.6-m New Technology Telescope  

Sangeeta Mysore's love for the sky started in childhood. She would often go out on the terrace of her home and observe the night sky with her binoculars. So you can say she started researching in astronomy as a child!

"Astronomy is often described as the oldest science and there can be no doubt that a view towards the majestic Milky Way band of stars - as it stretches across the sky on a clear night - must have been an awe-inspiring sight to people of all ages and cultures."says the ESO.

Mysore studied hard and was able to do well enough in school to go to college. After completing her BS degree, Mysore became the only person in her master's program of astronomy in her home country of India. 

In a career path where girls and women are few, Mysore was determined to reach her dream. As the only person in her Master's program, who happened to be a girl, she was under much pressure. She stated, "when the professor asked a question, I was the only one to answer. When I was late, the professor definitely knew.  And there was no falling asleep or not paying attention."

Even though there was not a lot of outside encouragement to pursue her dream, her parents encouraged her to work hard. "People can't make you work hard, but people can't stop you from working hard," says Mysore.

Mysore was so gifted in her studies that she was invited to Rome to the Vatican Observatory to work with the Jesuit priests and even had the opportunity to talk with Pope John Paul II. 

After that amazing experience she went to the University of Georgia where she completed her Ph.D. She was the only girl in the program. 

Mysore noted that "what you lack in talent you can always make up in hard work!"

Now Mysore is apart of a distinguished group of astronomers who use technology that allows for the study of objects at the in far parts of the Universe and detect evidence of planets and stars far outside our imagination.

Sangeeta Mysore was encouraging. intriguing and hopeful as to what's available to every girl who has a desire, will and work ethic to succeed.  

For more information on the ESO please visit www.eso.org.