KECK INSTITUTE FOR SPACE STUDIES

       

Anna Ho

Anna Ho

Grad student in the Division of Physics, Math and Astronomy

Hometown: I like to say Earth, because I was born an American citizen in Singapore, lived in London from 5th through 12th grade, and have lived in the US ever since.

Date of this Interview: April 30, 2020


What do you research?

I investigate the death omens, deaths, and afterlives of stars. I use a robotic telescope at Palomar Observatory to hunt for these explosions, and when I find one I trigger telescopes all over the Earth and in outer space to watch it unfold. My goal is to learn how the deaths of stars give rise to the elements that make up our world, as well as to the most extreme objects in the known universe: neutron stars and black holes.

Why does space inspire you?

Space itself is inspiring because it is vast and yet accessible---with our telescopes on Earth, we're able to "see" stars die in distant galaxies, and collect photons from the edge of the universe. However, I think I'm most inspired by the human endeavor to explore space. For all of human history, we have been curious about the universe, and it's inspiring to me that we have been able to make so much progress, generation by generation. It's a quest that unites people across time and across the world!

What’s one thing you’re grateful for in this difficult time?

My friends and family, and the Caltech community.

If you were a celestial body which celestial body would you be and why?

comet

A comet, so that I could travel through the solar system!


Anna with the 200-inch Hale Telescope at Palomar Observatory!

Anna with the 200-inch Hale Telescope at Palomar Observatory!