Dr Pamela L. Gay is an astronomer, writer, and podcaster focused on using new media to engage people in science and technology. Explore online, learn, and discover!Dorrit Hoffleit, 1907-2007
Wednesday, 11th April 2007
She turned 100 on March 12 and passed away after a breif illness on April 9. She was sharp and witty and active all the way to the end. Many people have written about her, but I think her personal words describe her the best: “I do it because I like it. … . [Astronomy], it’s my life.”
This video is from an interview done in July of 2006 and re-editted yesterday.
July 2006 Interview with E. Dorrit Hoffleit:
Hi Pamela,
this is a fan email!
i’m an Immunologist and Dermatologist from Perth, Western Australia (see map)… but have always been a closet physics/astronomy fan… I spend my day treating boring skin diseases but at least i can listen to Astronomy Cast (and read your blog) and regain some sense of “shock and awe” about the universe. Your podcast reminds me of the way i felt as a kid watching Cosmos on TV!
anyway enough ‘gushing’… just wanted to let you know that i’m a big fan – i’m still trying to imagine those 50 billion neutrinos blasting through the earth and up through my feet at midnight.
congratulations on a great show! keep up the good work!
Dr Grant Masel MBBS FRACP FACD
I can empathise with our immunodermatologically inclined friend. I too spend my days working around funny nerves and dodgy brains, but have a secret yearning and absolute passion for all things physically scienced – especially astronomy, which has nearly caused divorce – its a long story. Thankyou Dr. Gay (and Frazer of course). Your astronomy cast programmes pass away the mundane tram journeys home from work. I found the globular cluster episode especially fascinating. Why? Thats just the kind of person I am………….
P.S. More funding to astronomy!