In this episode, we introduce Dr. Itziar Aretxaga, a renowned astrophysicist from the National Institute of Astrophysics, Optics, and Electronics (INAOE – Mexico) whose research has significantly contributed to our understanding of the universe we inhabit. While others might deem galaxy formation unimportant, Dr. Aretxaga finds it deeply rooted in her human interest to truly understand where life comes from on Earth, and she sought to solve this fundamental question. Her pioneering research on active galactic nuclei (AGN) discussed the historical evolution of accretion around supermassive black holes and its connection to star formation in the universe. 

2024 marks a renewed interest in space exploration, fueled by NASA’s announcement of the Artemis Project. This ambitious mission aims to return humans to the Moon, including making history by landing the first woman and the first person of color on its surface. From being the first in the family to change her future through higher education, to one of the first to elevate Mexico’s standing in the astronomy landscape, Dr. Aretxaga is uniquely qualified to understand the significance of this initiative in inspiring the younger generation, particularly young, bright women pursuing science and astronomy.

Listen to the podcast and explore her perspective on future scientific research and space discovery: YouTube | Spotify