I tried to teach myself year 12 advanced physics and maths in the two months before semester because I had so much catching up to do. Even though I’d always had a passion for maths, my knowledge was nowhere near university level. When I first started in science and maths at university, it was incredibly daunting. What has the experience researching in both of these areas been like? You have deep knowledge of both western astrophysics and Aboriginal astronomy. I’ve always enjoyed the satisfaction you get from solving a problem. It also helped that I was pretty good at maths, despite doing terribly in every other subject. It is magical that we can use maths to make predictions about the universe.

I think I fell in love with the idea that maths is the language of everything around us. You mentioned before that your interest in maths is what led you to doing physics and astronomy. I enrolled in a physics and maths degree the following semester. I had no idea what physics was before reading that book and it absolutely blew my mind. One of my first experiences with physics was when I was about 19 years old and I read A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking for a third-year philosophy course I was doing at university.

Thank you – I am so excited to share our mutual love and passion for the sky with people all across Australia!

We sat down with Karlie to ask her about her inspiring career, research and aspirations for her time at the Observatory.Ĭongratulations on the appointment, Karlie – we are really looking forward to working with you! What first inspired you to become an astrophysicist? In August 2020 she was appointed the first Astronomy Ambassador at Sydney Observatory, where she will work with the Powerhouse Museum to develop a portfolio of science-engagement activities. The multiple award-winner completed her Masters in Astrophysics in 2019 at the Australian National University and the same year was an ACT Young Australian of the Year finalist and a Eureka Prize Emerging Leader finalist. Gamilaraay astrophysicist Karlie Noon is passionate about Indigenous astronomy and was the first Indigenous woman to obtain degrees in both physics and mathematics from the University of Newcastle in 2016.

Karlie noon astronomy