Dr. van Belle to guide scientific exploration
and foster innovation in the next era of astronomical
research
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz., Jan. 10,
2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Lowell Observatory is pleased to
announce the appointment of Dr. Gerard van
Belle as the new Director of Science. Van Belle, who has been an astronomer at the
observatory since 2011, has been serving as the interim Director of
Science.
In his new role, van Belle will lead a diverse team of
astronomers and planetary scientists. He will spearhead the
observatory's new Science Vision, which focuses on advancing
research capabilities and implementing cutting-edge technological
improvements supporting Lowell's leadership in astronomical
research.
Under his leadership, the science department will continue to
advance Lowell Observatory's mission to pursue the study of
astronomy, including the study of our solar system and its
evolution, and to conduct pure research in astrophysical
phenomena.
Van Belle's own research focuses
on fundamental stellar parameters, including the sizes, shapes,
masses, distances, and temperatures of various types of stars. He
is also renowned for his expertise in optical and near-infrared
astronomical interferometry.
He earned his bachelor's degree in physics from Whitman College in 1990, followed by a master's
degree from The Johns Hopkins
University in 1993, and a Ph.D. in physics from the
University of Wyoming in 1996.
Throughout his career, van Belle has been instrumental in the
development and commissioning of major optical interferometers
worldwide, including the Palomar Testbed Interferometer, the Keck
Interferometer, and the Very Large Telescope Interferometer. His
pioneering work in stellar surface imaging earned him the inaugural
Edward Stone Award for Outstanding
Research Publication at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in
2002.
In 2011, van Belle joined Lowell Observatory's science staff,
where he applied high-resolution astronomical techniques to detect
nearby exoplanets and map stellar surfaces. He served as the
Director of the Navy Precision Optical Interferometer (NPOI) in
Flagstaff, Arizona, from 2017 to
2018, and subsequently as its Chief Scientist until 2022.
Notably, van Belle was among the astronomers who voted against
the definition of 'planet' advanced during the 2006 International
Astronomical Union (IAU) conference in Prague, which relegated Pluto to being a
'dwarf planet' (which according to the IAU resolution is not a
planet).
His extensive experience and dedication to advancing
astronomical research make him a valuable leader for Lowell
Observatory's scientific endeavors.
"I am honored to take on this role at such a pivotal time for
Lowell Observatory," said van Belle. "Our Science Vision will guide
us in exploring new frontiers in astronomy while strengthening our
commitment to public engagement and education."
Executive Director Dr. Amanda
Bosh expressed her confidence in van Belle's leadership:
"Gerard's extensive experience and dedication to our mission make
him the ideal person to lead our scientific endeavors. I look
forward to working closely with him as we embark on this exciting
new chapter for Lowell Observatory."
For more information about Lowell Observatory's research and
public programs, visit lowell.edu.
About Lowell Observatory
Founded in 1894, Lowell
Observatory in Flagstaff,
Arizona, is a renowned nonprofit research institution. It is
the site of historic and groundbreaking discoveries, including the
first evidence of the expanding universe and the discovery of
Pluto. Today, Lowell's astronomers utilize global ground-based and
space telescopes, along with NASA spacecraft, for diverse
astronomical and planetary science research. The observatory hosts
more than 100,000 visitors annually for educational tours,
presentations, and telescope viewing through a suite of world-class
public telescopes.
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SOURCE Lowell Observatory
