Born: 1961 (Calgary, Alberta)
Died: 1999
Biography:
Charlene Heisler (1 December 1961 – 28 October 1999) was a Canadian astronomer known for her groundbreaking work on Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN). Her contributions to the field have had a lasting impact on our understanding of these celestial objects. Heisler’s determination and passion for science, despite facing significant health challenges, serve as an inspiration to aspiring astronomers and women in science.
Born in Calgary, Alberta, Charlene Heisler developed an early interest in astronomy. She graduated from the University of Calgary in 1985 with a BSc in applied mathematics and physics. During her undergraduate years, Heisler worked as a summer research assistant for Sun Kwok and Gene (Eugene) Couch, where she gained valuable experience in the field. She also had the opportunity to work at the Calgary Centennial Planetarium, further fueling her love for astronomy.
Just before starting her PhD, Heisler received devastating news. She was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis and told she had a limited time to live. Despite this prognosis, she decided to pursue her passion for astronomy and embarked on her doctoral studies at Yale under the supervision of Jeanette Patricia Vader. Heisler’s determination to defy expectations and make significant contributions to the field drove her forward.
Her doctoral research focused on the properties of galaxies with spectral energy distributions that peaked at sixty microns, known as Sixty Micron Peakers. Through her meticulous research, Heisler shed light on the nature of these galaxies and their importance in understanding the early stages of AGN.
After completing her PhD in 1991, Heisler spent two years as a postdoctoral researcher at York University, working alongside Mike De Robertis. During this time, she expanded her research to infrared wavelengths, conducting observations using the telescopes on Mauna Kea. Heisler believed that Peakers contained crucial information about the early stages of AGN, and through her observations, she confirmed the validity of this hypothesis.
Heisler’s dedication to education extended beyond her research. She taught undergraduate classes at York University and delivered public talks, inspiring young women to pursue careers in science. Her role as a mentor and advocate for women in science left a lasting impact on the next generation of astronomers.
In 1993, Heisler moved to Sydney, where she became a postdoctoral research fellow at the Anglo Australian Observatory. She also joined the IRIS team as a support astronomer and became a liaison officer with AAO on the MPI 3D project.
In 1996, Heisler relocated to the Mount Stromlo Observatory in Canberra, Australia, where she was awarded a senior fellowship in 1998. During her time at Mount Stromlo, she worked with Stuart Lumsden and Jeremy Bailey on a notable paper investigating the hidden broad line regions of Seyfert II galaxies. Their research proposed a model in which the infrared color of the galaxy was linked to the existence of the broad line region, providing valuable insights into the nature of these galaxies.
One of Heisler’s final projects was COLA (COmpact Low-power AGN), which she worked on alongside Phil Appleton and Ray Norris. The aim of this project was to establish evidence for the existence of low-power AGN.
Charlene Heisler’s contributions to astronomy and her perseverance in the face of adversity are a testament to her dedication and passion for science. Her work continues to influence the astronomical community, and the Astronomical Society of Australia established the Charlene Heisler Prize in her honor, ensuring her legacy lives on.
Awards:
– Charlene Heisler Prize (established by the Astronomical Society of Australia)