The LSST Discovery Alliance is excited to announce that Tiffany Nichols, one of our Catalyst Fellows, will make an appearance in the upcoming episode of PBS Nova titled Decoding the Universe: Quantum. Tune in to watch her segment on how the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) utilizes lasers to detect gravitational waves, showcasing the fascinating interplay between black holes and the subtle deformations of space-time right here on Earth. The episode is set to air live on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at 9:00 PM ET (6:00 PM PT) and will also be available for streaming on their YouTube channel (links below).
Nichols, advised by Michael Strauss in the Department of Astrophysical Sciences at Princeton University, conducts research at the intersection of astronomy, social science, and law. Her work tackles critical issues such as light pollution and radio frequency interference from low Earth orbit satellites, which significantly impact highly precise instruments like those used in the Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST) and the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO). Recently appointed Co-Chair of Policy for the Committee for the Protection of Astronomy and the Space Environment and Vice-Chair of the History of Astronomy Division of the American Astronomical Society (AAS), Nichols is dedicated to developing solutions for the sustainability of our night skies. Her efforts ensure that advancements in astronomy and astrophysics can progress without disruption from environmental factors. Strauss’s communication of her research to key players in the field have been instrumental in her career, particularly as she ramps up her interdisciplinary work through the LSST-DA Catalyst Fellowship, which has enabled her to address these challenges swiftly.
We invite you to watch the episode and celebrate Nichols’s remarkable achievements as she represents the LSST Discovery Alliance on this prestigious platform. Join us in supporting her contributions to the field of astronomy and environmental stewardship.
To learn more about Nichols and her work as a Catalyst Fellow, please check out our article, Meet Tiffany Nichols – Catalyst Fellow.