This talk explores how astronomers reconstruct black hole environments using X-ray polarization while reflecting on the fragility of telescopes, scientific archives, and human memory. It connects astrophysical discovery with the preservation of historical records, highlighting the overlooked contributions of women astronomers and the importance of safeguarding scientific heritage.

This research uses weak gravitational lensing to map the invisible distribution of dark matter within galaxy clusters. By measuring tiny distortions in the shapes of distant galaxies, it reconstructs total mass distributions, helping scientists understand dark matter, galaxy cluster evolution, and the large-scale structure and history of the universe.

This research investigates white dwarfs and the planetary debris that surrounds them. By developing a technique to detect transiting debris systems, the researcher has expanded the known population of these rare objects, helping astronomers understand how planetary systems evolve, survive, and ultimately break apart after their host stars die.

This research uses gravitational lensing to investigate dark matter, the invisible substance that makes up roughly 80% of the Universe's matter. By studying distortions in light caused by massive galaxies, it seeks to identify dark matter structures and determine whether dark matter is clumpy, smooth, cold, warm, concentrated, or diffuse.

This research investigates the universe’s “missing” ordinary matter using Fast Radio Bursts (FRBs) as cosmic probes. By measuring how FRB signals are delayed while traveling through space, the study reveals that far more matter exists between galaxies than previously estimated, accounting for the long-standing missing baryon problem.

This research investigates the tilt of exoplanets to understand their formation and evolution. By developing a new measurement method, it identifies a Uranus-like tilted planet and enables broader study of planetary systems. These insights help reveal climates, histories, and potential habitability of distant worlds beyond our solar system.

This research investigates whether dark energy, responsible for the universe’s accelerating expansion, evolves over time rather than remaining constant. Using galaxy distributions, supernovae, and cosmic microwave data, new statistical methods suggest evolving models may better fit observations, potentially reshaping our understanding of cosmology and the universe’s long-term fate.

This research develops the Remnant Emission Survey Tool (REST) to identify dormant comets—objects that resemble asteroids but may contain ancient solar system chemistry. By analyzing archived images of 3,800 asteroid candidates for faint gas emissions, REST aims to improve classification and deepen understanding of planetary formation and solar system history.

Only five percent of the universe is visible through light, leaving most of it unexplained. Gravitational waves provide a new way to explore this hidden cosmos. By detecting these signals early, researchers can predict cosmic collisions and coordinate telescopes in advance, enabling simultaneous observations that deepen our understanding of the universe.