In the framework of International Women's Day, celebrated every March 8, it is essential to highlight the stories of women who have broken barriers and left an indelible mark in their fields. One of them is Nidia Morrell, an Argentine astronomer who has dedicated her life to unraveling the mysteries of the universe from the Las Campanas Observatory (LCO), located in the Atacama Desert, Chile. Her career is not only an example of scientific dedication, but also of perseverance in a field historically dominated by men.
Curiosity that took her to the stars
Nidia Morrell recalls that her fascination with the sky began in childhood. “Since I was a little girl I always loved to look at the night sky. I would go out into my grandmother's backyard hoping to see Sputnik go by, and I would just stare,” she recounts. This initial curiosity turned into a vocation when, at school, she discovered her talent for mathematics and her interest in science. “Astronomy combines beauty with knowledge, with the curiosity to try to understand things,” she explains.
However, her path was not an easy one. At a time when women faced multiple obstacles to pursuing science, Morrell found support from key figures, such as a French teacher who encouraged her to follow her passion despite her parents' opposition. While in college, the influence of prominent astronomer Virpi Niemela strengthened her determination.
One of the biggest challenges Morrell faced was combining her scientific career with motherhood. “The most difficult thing was raising my children. Combining the vocation of a mother with that of a scientist is not trivial, but it was worth it,” she confesses. Today, with two children and six grandchildren, Morrell has not only built a family, but also a brilliant career.
Among his most notable achievements is his participation in the Carnegie Supernova Project (CSP), where he has contributed to the study of supernovae. She is also dedicated to the research of massive stars. In this field he was part of the discovery of a new class of Wolf-Rayet stars, the WN3/O3, which today are the object of study in the astronomical community.
Las Campanas Observatory: her second home
Morrell came to Las Campanas Observatory in 2002, invited as a visiting scientist, and hasn't left since. “I love working here,” she says. At LCO, she has operated telescopes such as du Pont and Swope, and participated in landmark observations, such as the optical counterpart of the gravitational wave event GW170817.
Her work at the observatory is not limited to observing. Morrell is also responsible for processing and analyzing data, collaborating on scientific publications, and being part of international projects. “There is always a lot to do,” she says enthusiastically.
Women in astronomy: a path to equality
Morrell has witnessed changes in the participation of women in astronomy. “It's more equitable. I see women who are directors of institutes, heads of science departments, deans of science faculties. That, when I studied, was very rare,” she says. However, she acknowledges that there is still some way to go.
To encourage the inclusion of more women in science, Morrell stresses the importance of strengthening science education in schools and providing equal opportunities. “Let no one think they can't,” she emphasizes.
Her message to young women who dream of going into astronomy or science is “not to be discouraged, to know that they can do and study the same things as anyone else, and to study hard, that they will never regret doing what they love”.
The future of astronomy and her projects
Looking to the future, Morrell is excited about technological advances in astronomy. “Every time a new instrument is added, there are discoveries,” she says, referring to telescopes such as the James Webb Telescope (JWST) and the future Giant Magellan Telescope (GMT).
Personally, Morrell plans to continue working on his areas of interest: massive stars and supernovae. “Keep observing as much as I can,” she concludes.
Her story is a testament that, with passion, perseverance and support, it is possible to reach for the stars. On March 8, Nidia Morrell reminds us that the sky is not the limit, but the starting point.