Biography:
Jill Cornell Tarter is an American astronomer known for her groundbreaking work on the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI). Born on January 16, 1944, she dedicated her career to unraveling the mysteries of the cosmos and exploring the possibility of life beyond Earth.
Tarter’s passion for astronomy and her relentless pursuit of knowledge began at a young age. Growing up in New York State, she often gazed at the night sky during family trips to Florida with her father. These early experiences ignited her imagination and sparked her curiosity about what lies beyond our planet.
Although she faced societal expectations that discouraged girls from pursuing certain fields, Tarter’s father encouraged her to follow her dreams. When she expressed her desire to be an engineer, he wholeheartedly supported her, nurturing her curiosity and fueling her determination.
Tarter’s educational journey commenced with her enrollment at Cornell University, where she earned a Bachelor of Engineering Physics degree. She was one of only two women in her graduating class in the engineering college, making her achievements all the more remarkable. As she pursued further studies at the University of California at Berkeley, her fascination with astronomy intensified, ultimately leading her to obtain a Master’s degree and a Ph.D. in the field.
During her doctoral research, Tarter coined the term brown dwarf while investigating small-mass objects that fail to stably fuse hydrogen. This groundbreaking discovery paved the way for a deeper understanding of celestial bodies and their classifications.
Tarter’s astronomical career took a momentous turn when she encountered the Cyclops Report as a graduate student. Intrigued by the possibilities it presented, she dove headfirst into SETI research. Collaborating with Stuart Bowyer, Tarter contributed to the development of the radio-search project SERENDIP (Search for Extraterrestrial Radio Emissions from Nearby Developed Intelligent Populations). Her expertise in programming the PDP-8/S computer played a crucial role in advancing the project at the Hat Creek Radio Observatory.
Continuing her pursuit of knowledge, Tarter served as the project scientist for NASA’s High Resolution Microwave Survey (HRMS) in 1992 and 1993. Later, she assumed the role of director for Project Phoenix, a reconfigured iteration of the HRMS dedicated to the search for extraterrestrial intelligence. In partnership with Margaret Turnbull, Tarter co-created the HabCat, a comprehensive catalog of potentially habitable star systems, enhancing the prospects of finding life beyond Earth.
Throughout her illustrious career, Tarter authored numerous technical papers and delivered countless lectures advocating for proper science education and the exploration of extraterrestrial life. Her determination and unwavering commitment to advancing our understanding of the universe defined her 35-year quest for knowledge.
In recognition of her pioneering contributions, Tarter has received widespread acclaim. In 2002, Discover magazine distinguished her as one of the 50 most important women in science, cementing her status as a trailblazer in her field. Her impact on society extends beyond the realm of astronomy, as she continues to inspire aspiring scientists, especially women, to shatter gender barriers and forge their paths in previously male-dominated fields.
Jill Tarter’s remarkable career revolutionized the field of astronomy and SETI research. Her unwavering dedication, commitment to scientific exploration, and advocacy for gender equality have left an indelible mark on both the scientific community and society as a whole.
Awards:
– Discover magazine’s recognition as one of the 50 most important women in science (2002)