From Scientific Idea to Published Results - and Everything in Between!

Explore the intricate journey from scientific concept to published results in astronomy through this illuminating lecture by Bill Blair of Johns Hopkins University. Gain a behind-the-scenes look at the complex process of pursuing research with the Hubble Space Telescope, including proposal submission, peer review, planning, scheduling, and data collection. Learn about the challenges astronomers face and the crucial role of the Space Telescope Science Institute in transforming accepted programs into valuable data. Discover how unexpected findings can lead to new insights and future research opportunities. Delve into specific examples, such as the Hubble Heritage Program and the study of M83, to understand the practical applications of this process. Gain insights into the tools astronomers use, like the Exposure Time Calculator and the ASTROnomy Proposal Tool, and learn about the importance of citizen science projects in astronomical research. By the end of this talk, develop a deeper appreciation for the extensive work that goes into creating the stunning Hubble press releases that captivate the public imagination.