28 Jan 2021

the event is organised by the Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics to mark the International Day of Women and Girls in Science

On the occasion of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, The Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics (MPE) is organising its annual free event "Women in Astronomy" on 11 February 2021 at 19:00, this year hosted online by the ESO Supernova Planetarium & Visitor Centre. The MPE actively promotes equal opportunities for women and girls in science. The aim is to promote the share of women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), where they are still underrepresented. 

This year, the event will feature a presentation from Dr. Suzanna Randall, astronomer at the European Southern Observatory (ESO), about her participation in the Astronautin campaign. 

Ever since she was a child, Suzanna Randall was fascinated by space with its endless expenses. She wanted to find out everything about it and even to fl there herself! So, as a young adult, she decided to study astrophysics. She now works as a scientist at ESO, where she works for the ALMA telescope. Actually her dream job - but then she saw an advertisement that would change her life: "Astrononaut wanted!". 

Four years later she was in the middle of training - part of the private space start-up "Die Astronautin" - with the aim of becoming the first female German to fly to the International Space Station (ISS). She will report on the tough selection process, the fun and challenges of the training and, of course, the mission. It's not just about the journey into space, but also about encouraging girls and women, in particular, to venture into the traditionally male-dominated areas of natural sciences and technology - and literally reach for the stars!