Observing stars in Tenerife

In my second year, I travelled to Tenerife for a two-week Physics and Astronomy field trip. In the first week, we split into teams with other international students at the La Laguna University and learnt how to design high-energy telescopes. In the evenings, we were free to explore the local area with the other students. I particularly liked the local food, drinks and being able to practise speaking Spanish. 

The second week was spent at the Teide Observatory, located in the slopes of Mount Teide. Here we had access to three optical telescopes. As all our observations were made after sun down, we slept through the day and worked during the night. In order to make the most of the time the sun was down, we had breakfast and planned the night of observing ahead of us before the sun set. We would then split into our teams and make our way to the telescopes. Although we each created our own projects, as teams we would rotate the use of each telescope. This meant that most of the time, we were collecting data for another team. Working in teams was very important at the observatory especially when setting up telescopes, and collecting data. I learnt how to safely use a telescope, identify the north star, and found some time to attempt some astrophotography. 

It felt like we were living at the top of a mountain for the week; we woke up every morning to a “sea” of clouds. My favourite part of the trip was finding time during the night to be still and stare at the stars in the open sky. I really enjoyed my first taste of practical astronomy and independent research. It was also a great way to get to get to know the people on my course. I didn’t realise that the people around me enjoyed astronomy as much as I did until we collaborated on this trip. 

This trip was certainly my favourite module at university. I would highly recommend taking part if given the opportunity. It is a once in a lifetime trip and an excellent experience in practical astronomy. If for nothing else, it is incredibly enjoyable to be able to sit, look up, and see a multitude of stars every night. 

A research year in Boston

As part of the Physics with Astronomy course, I am on a year abroad carrying out research at the Harvard Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA) in Boston, MA. At the CfA I’ve met many new people and heard from researchers from all over the world. My research project involves looking at the properties of X-ray halos around massive galaxies. I’m doing this by "stacking" X-ray data of galaxies from the Chandra telescope. I’ve learnt what it’s really like to work in a research environment and how to present my work to others. The year abroad definitely provided me with research experience in a field I am interested in and has solidified my choice to get a PhD. 

Whilst living in the USA, I have found time to visit New Hampshire and New York. I have also travelled to Texas to present a poster on some of my research. 

I have definitely had a good experience living abroad. It did take a little adjusting, moving to a country which I had never experienced before. Thankfully, through the university I made good friends quickly. As Boston is quite an international city, I met people that have come from all over the USA as well as from around the world. I have made friendships with people I never would have met otherwise. My only complaint is the freezing winter - even if I do love the snow!