Antony Hewish

Antony Hewish was born on May 11, 1924, in Fowey, Cornwall, England. He was a British radio astronomer who was renowned for his discovery of pulsars, which are rotating neutron stars that emit a beam of electromagnetic radiation. These celestial objects are highly magnetized and are known for their periodic pulses received by observers on Earth. Hewish's research laid the foundation for further studies in astrophysics and opened up new avenues in understanding the universe.

In 1942, Antony Hewish started his undergraduate studies at the University of Cambridge. He initially studied physics at Gonville and Caius College, but his studies were soon interrupted by World War II, during which he worked on airborne radar counter-measures at the Royal Aircraft Establishment. His time at Cambridge was foundational in developing his interest and expertise in radio astronomy.

After his wartime service, Antony Hewish returned to the University of Cambridge to continue his studies in physics, eventually specializing in radio astronomy. He joined the Cavendish Laboratory, which was a prominent center for radio astronomy in the UK. Here, he worked on studying the ionosphere and developing radar systems, which shaped his future contributions to the field.

Antony Hewish completed his PhD at the University of Cambridge in 1952 under the supervision of Martin Ryle, a leading figure in radio astronomy. Hewish's PhD research focused on developing techniques for observing celestial radio sources. His work laid important groundwork for using radio waves to study astronomical phenomena, significantly advancing the field.

On July 21, 1967, Antony Hewish, along with his PhD student Jocelyn Bell Burnell, discovered the first pulsar. The discovery was made using the Interplanetary Scintillation Array at the Mullard Radio Astronomy Observatory. Pulsars are rapidly rotating neutron stars emitting beams of electromagnetic radiation. This finding was pivotal in astrophysics, leading to new insights into neutron stars, quantum mechanics, and the lifecycle of stars.

Antony Hewish was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1974 for his decisive role in the discovery of pulsars. The Nobel Committee recognized his pioneering work which opened a new branch of astrophysics. His PhD student, Jocelyn Bell Burnell, who made the initial observation, was notably not included in the prize. This event sparked discussion and controversy within the scientific community.

In 1982, Antony Hewish became the President of the Royal Astronomical Society, a position he held from 1982 to 1984. During his presidency, he promoted advancements in astronomy and supported young researchers. His leadership helped steer the society through a critical period of growth and transformation within the astronomical sciences.

In 2007, Antony Hewish published comprehensive dispatches about the discovery of pulsars, reflecting on his experiences and the events leading up to the historic finding. These publications provided in-depth details about the scientific process and the collaborative effort involved. They also helped clarify details regarding the contributions of his student, Jocelyn Bell Burnell, and this retrospective was well-received in the scientific community.

Antony Hewish authored a series of articles reflecting on the evolution of radio astronomy and cosmology. Published in various scientific journals, these reflections offered insights into how the field has transformed over decades. Hewish shared his perspective on future challenges and opportunities in radio astronomy. His work continued to inspire new generations during this reflective period of his career.

Antony Hewish passed away on September 13, 2021, at the age of 97. His death marked the end of a remarkable career in radio astronomy that spanned over seven decades. Hewish was celebrated for his significant contributions to astrophysics, particularly his discovery of pulsars. His work has left an enduring legacy in the field and paved the way for future scientific breakthroughs.