Daniel Weadman: It was the work about Markarian Galaxies at Byurakan Observatory which attracted me to Armenia

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 10, ARMENPRESS: Senior scientist of the Infrared Astronomy Department of U.S. Cornell University, coordinator of SST scientific programs Daniel Weadman is the first American astronomer, who has cooperated with Armenian astronomers. He has been the American co-chair of the biggest grant ever received by Byurakan Observatory. Daniel Weadman is an author of 254 works. Armenpress interviewed the American astronomer on the current state of astronomy, on its prospects and opportunities.

-Mr. Weadman, how did your cooperation with Armenian astronomers start? How did Armenia attract you?

-My collaboration began in 1967, when Armenian Astronomer Edgard Khachkian visited the US. He and I together made the observations of the newly discovered Margarian galaxies. After that, I studied Markarian galaxies for many years. This study led to improved understanding of the most luminous objects in the universe: the centers of galaxies and “starburst” galaxies. Now, I am studying the first such objects which formed in the universe, in continuing collaborations with young Armenian astronomers. It was the work about Markarian Galaxies at Byurakan Observatory which attracted me to Armenia.

-In your opinion which is the biggest contribution of Byurakan Observatory to astronomy?

-In my area of research, the most important contribution of Byurakan Observatory was Markarian’s survey. Even though this was finished 40 years ago, the results are still being used for every important international research.

-What importance did Markarian’s survey have in your scientific career?

-As mentioned above, the survey resulted in very important answers about the centers of galaxies and the newly forming starburst galaxies. These answers have become the crucial to understanding how galaxies form in the history of the universe.

-Which branches of astronomy are prospective in Armenia in your opinion?

- The primary questions of astronomy are two things: how did galaxies and stars form in the beginning of the universe, and which nearby stars have planets similar to the Earth. These are scientific areas in which Armenian astronomers can work, because much of the necessary data can be obtained form international observatories, and the most important new data is in infrared and radio wave lengths.

-Would you detail about NASA programs and your contribution to them?

- Currently I am doing all of my research using a NASA mission, the Spitzer Space Telescope, which is the best telescope ever built for infrared Astronomy. At one time, I worked as a NASA scientific administrator, when we began planning for this telescope.

-You have also worked at National Science Foundation, NSF. How much the funding system of the American science is applicable for Armenia?

- The most important rule of the US funding system for science is that all the directions are based on “peer view’. This means the competition for scientific funding is judged by scientists themselves. When there is not enough money for all of science, it is crucial for the best science to be chosen by good scientists – not by politicians or bureaucrats. Armenian science could be improved by advice and peer review from good international scientists. For example, in my personal experience, there are many international astronomers who want to help Byurakan Observatory, but it is for those astronomers who see possibilities for true progress.