To mark her first day as president of Columbia University, Jennifer L. Mnookin visited the Rutherfurd Observatory and reflected on the spirit of discovery and public purpose that has been part of the institution’s story from the very beginning. From telescopes in service to the American Revolution to seismometers on the moon and satellites in orbit, Columbians have never stopped asking questions, searching for answers, and following the evidence wherever it leads. Questions about what it means to be human and our place in the universe, about disease and democracy, literature and learning, climate and creativity, justice and discovery.
To see a full article with a video, that includes images of the dome and telescope on the roof of Pupin, video of the GAPS Antarctic balloon program searching for dark matter and of Professor Kerstin Perez and part of her GAPS team, and an Astronomy grad student office, go to: https://vimeo.com/1205007125