This afternoon, I attended a talk on X-ray astronomy by Dr. Riccardo Giacconi, the 2002 Nobel Prize in Physics winner. It was a good basic overview of the history of X-ray astronomy and his involvement in the field.

He started by introducing the X-ray detectors on V2 rockets and other early space observatories that began X-ray astronomy back in the 1960s, initially observing the Sun and the Moon. He was part of the team that helped determine how the new space program could advance science. X-rays can't penetrate Earth's atmosphere, so the field of X-ray astronomy didn't begin until we launched space-based telescopes.

He talked about the discoveries of X-rays coming from clusters and pulsating black holes. He described his search for the source of the cosmic X-ray background, that is, all the sources that seem to exist in the background of an X-ray field of view. He found quasars, super-massive black holes, galaxies, clusters, and AGNs. Finally, he described how interesting it is to note that dark matter, a substance that we can't see and don't understand, is such a large part of our Universe.

After his prepared remarks, I asked his opinion on the proposed idea of building X-ray observatories on the surface of the Moon. He didn't like the idea because there's too much dust and vibration, and that X-ray observatories would best be left in space.

He expressed his opinion that now is an excellent time to be an astronomer because of the increased accessibility and equal opportunity for all. But he felt like X-ray astronomy is at a stand-still because of the lack of funding. He wants to see the creation of a separate, well-funded government agency for space sciences, one more funded and more efficient than NASA. Of course, every professional wants to see his or her own field get special attention and increased funding, but it would be nice.

Overall, it was a good talk. I would have loved to hear more detail about the research he did in his career that led to him being awarded the Nobel Prize. He didn't talk about his own work much, but instead focused on the historical events of the past 50 years. It was a bit too basic for me, but I know that basic is always best when addressing an open audience of mixed laymen and professionals. His talk got me all excited for next week's X-ray astronomy conference!