My passion for astrophysics was ignited by concepts such as black holes and time dilation, which deeply intrigued me. I was offered a research opportunity through my involvement with the Los Angeles Astronomical Society. Eager to publish an impactful paper with my team, I decided to join the research group, believing it would provide invaluable experience-not only in research but also in a place where Albert Einstein once conducted his studies.

Our group traveled to Mt. Wilson Observatory, situated 5,710 feet above sea level, where we spent a week observing binary stars using the 60-inch and 100-inch telescopes. Since telescopes operate primarily at night, we took daytime tours of the observatory. One aspect that particularly fascinated me was the solar tower telescope, which allowed us to observe the sun‘s hot spots and eruptions as they were reflected in a heliostat. Watching the sun slowly fade away at sunset was a breathtaking experience, and the guides taught us how solar telescopes work.

The next day, we visited Albert Einstein’s library, where he used to study, and I even played billiards on a table he built. As a high school student, I felt that this was a unique experience, one that most people would never have. Beyond the tours, operating a 60-inch telescope by myself stands out as a precious memory. Previously, I had only seen astrophotography in books and articles, so witnessing celestial objects through a scientific telescope was truly astonishing. At that moment, I felt like a professional astrophysicist studying the stars.

Reflecting on my time at the observatory, every moment felt like a treasure that deepened my interest in astronomy. I also remember our group struggling to operate the telescope on the first night, as various sources of noise disrupted our observations. However, I was inspired by how everyone collaborated, tirelessly diagnosing and solving problems instead of panicking. Thanks to our collective effort, we successfully observed stars and collected data the following night.

I learned that a scientist is shaped not just by knowledge but by the willingness to persist and make things work through dedication and a strong work ethic. Although I was the only high school student on the team, my teammates generously provided me with additional opportunities to operate the telescope. Through this research, I discovered that science is not a solitary pursuit but a collective effort built on trust and persistence. Being welcomed into a professional research environment as a high school student boosted my confidence, proving that passion and dedication can transcend age and experience. This experience has motivated me to continue exploring the universe through data and discovery.

<Eiden Han 학생기자 브레아 올린다 고교 11학년>