NASA senior astrophysicist, Prof. Vladimir Airapetian believes life will be found in space in about 20 years

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 3, ARMENPRESS. Have you ever thought that you could visit NASA, talk to world-renowned scientists and gain new knowledge from a senior astrophysicist at the Heliophysics Science Divisionof theGoddard Space Flight Centerof NASA, research professor at the American University in Washington D.C., Vladimir Airapetian? All this is more than real. In 2023 one of the Armenian young scientists will become that successful person after passing the interview stage.

At the age of 25, the astrophysicist, on the way from Armenia to NASA, has already managed to receive invitations from Denmark, Sweden and France. He has also worked jointly both in the Byurakan and Crimea Observatories.

In an interview to ARMENPRESS, Vladimir Airapetian talked about the prospects of science development in Armenia, the existence of life in space, and his visions on space research and religion.

From Armenia to NASA (background)

Vladimir Airapetian was born in Baku, graduated from the astronomy department of the local physics and mathematics school. Since the age of ten he has dreamed of becoming an astronomer and has clearly decided to engage in science. In order to fulfill his dreams, he was admitted to the Faculty of Physics at the Yerevan State University (YSU), and he applies the knowledge gained here till today. After graduating from the YSU Faculty of Physics, he continued his studies in the department of astrophysics, worked in the Byurakan Observatory during his post-graduate studies. After graduating from the university with honors, Prof. Airapetian has started to use his theoretical knowledge in the Byurakan Observatory in the department of theoretical physics founded by Viktor Hambardzumyan. Mr. Airapetyan is working at NASA for already 25 years.

“Viktor Hambardzumyan has once asked me to prepare two reports in English. It was that time when I understood that it’s hard to deal with science without that language. And after the two reports I immediately received invitations from Denmark, Sweden and France, I was just 25 years old, and Hambardzumyan, of course, allowed me to combine my work. I departed for Paris in 1993, several months later I received an invitation from New York where I stayed for a year. And in 1995 I got an opportunity to work at NASA”, he said.

There are chances to develop science in Armenia

“Today’s Armenian students have a great potential, and the Yerevan State University is the starting point from where it’s possible to reach the desirable height. I am glad to inform that starting next year I am going to teach in my faculty, will work with students trying to help them conduct a scientific work. Participation in scientific events is important for the development of young scientists. I think that the accumulation of international experience and active participation in scientific events, including seminars, lectures and discussions, are important for young scientists. In order to develop science, we should help the youth so that they have their contribution in the international science sector. I would recommend the students not to miss the opportunity to meet and work with scientists, not to be afraid of asking questions, expressing an opinion and making a mistake”, he said.

Science in Armenia is managed as during the USSR

“It is said that science in Armenia is on the verge to die because of funding. But I want to note that it is not the only problem. We have a problem with mentality. The Soviet scientific agencies are working with Soviet standards. A whole institution is governed by one person. And the institutions themselves do not have a wish to learn something new, or maybe, it’s difficult for them to learn. So, the problem needs a systematic solution. I myself am working for this problem to be solved as soon as possible”, the astrophysicist said.

Probability of finding life in space is closer

“Years before, searching for and finding traces of life in the space seemed impossible to scientists, but now it is at the center of scientific research. Finding another life in the space has been one of the dreams of the mankind, and different questions have emerged on the way to searching for that life. It is possible to find the answers to the questions that interest us by using the latest technologies, conducting research and combining the efforts of representatives of different fields of science. We will find life in space in about 20 years”, Vladimir Airapetian said.

Studies rule out the existence of a miracle

NASA is preparing to launch a rocket into space. We are planning to create a new base on the Moon and Mars. Certain works have already been done on this direction, and it can be said that a new era will soon start for the Moon and Mars. In coming years, the study of space will force the humanity to understand their place in the Universe. We will understand where we come from, where we go, and what life is. The more we research, the less room remains for a miracle”, he states.

Religion is for giving harmony to people

“God is important for many people from psychological perspective. However, nature and psychology are different things. Psychology created the brain. I like all religions, they mainly bring peace. Religion is giving a psychological harmony to the people. If people, believing in God, feel themselves safer and harmonious, I have nothing to say, but when the scientifically proved natural phenomena are attributed to gods, miracles, I see a danger in that. I was born in a family where I was taught that I must watch, ask questions and never believe anything until I check it. My belief system is science”, Vladimir Airapetian said.

Prof. Airapetian has recently paid a short visit to Armenia for giving lectures in the Yerevan State University.

Interview by Karine Terteryan