Licia Verde: Exploring the Mysteries of the Universe
It all began with a book. At the age of seven, Licia Verde from Venice was gifted a collection of curiosities about the sky, opening her eyes to a world of clouds, stars, and planets. This early intrigue paved the way for her future endeavors in astrophysics, ultimately leading her to explore the universe's farthest reaches. Currently the scientific director at the Institute of Cosmos Sciences at the University of Barcelona, Verde has been honored with the Medal of the Royal Spanish Society of Physics and the BBVA Foundation for her significant contributions to understanding the universe's origin, composition, and evolution.
Throughout her career, Verde has had the opportunity to witness groundbreaking cosmological discoveries. At the core of her research lies a fundamental question: What lies beyond our planet, and how did we arrive at this point in time? Many scientists are driven by an insatiable curiosity to unravel these mysteries, and Verde is no exception.
Recently, her team has focused on mapping galaxies to better understand dark matter and dark energy--two components essential to the universe's structure, yet still shrouded in mystery. Dark matter does not emit, absorb, or reflect light, rendering it invisible; its existence is inferred from gravitational effects on visible matter. Dark energy, conversely, is a mysterious force thought to be accelerating the universe's expansion, but its true nature remains elusive. Verde seeks to illuminate these dark corners of astrophysics.
When asked about her motivation to explore the universe's workings, Verde emphasizes the importance of maintaining a childlike sense of wonder and inquiry. She believes that scientists, much like children, never fully abandon their quest for understanding the 'why' behind natural phenomena. Her fascination lies in applying the scientific method to analyze new data and make sense of our surroundings.
Addressing the challenge of studying intangible subjects, Verde expresses that curiosity serves as a powerful motivator. She understands that those working with abstract theories may question the practicality of their work, especially in a world filled with pressing issues. Nevertheless, she argues that foundational sciences are critical for the advancement of applied sciences, which in turn significantly contribute to societal progress.
Verde recalls a pivotal discovery early in her career, around the year 2000, when it was revealed that the distribution of galaxies correlates with dark matter's distribution, providing a fresh perspective on the universe.
In response to the enduring enigma surrounding dark matter and dark energy, Verde asserts that understanding these phenomena is crucial for grasping the universe's mechanics. She finds it fascinating that the laws governing the cosmos are believed to be the same in our local environment as they are far beyond our solar system. However, discrepancies exist between cosmic observations and laboratory models, indicating that there is still much to learn.
While comprehending dark matter and dark energy may not directly alter daily life, Verde highlights the significant role that basic science plays in everyday applications. Historical advancements in technology, such as GPS and the internet, originated from foundational scientific research, often emerging long after initial discoveries. Moreover, studying the universe offers a broader perspective of our existence, reminding us of our humble place in the cosmos.
Verde acknowledges the daunting nature of contemplating our insignificance in the grand scheme of the universe, yet she views this realization as a certainty rather than an uncertainty. She emphasizes the importance of valuing the journey of scientific inquiry, rather than solely focusing on the answers.
Reflecting on her academic journey, Verde recalls the moment of her doctoral thesis coinciding with the announcement of the universe's accelerated expansion--a revelation that took years for the scientific community to fully accept. She describes the experience as mind-bending, where the pieces of the cosmic puzzle began to fit together. Today, she believes astrobiologists may be on the verge of a similar revelation.
The concept of the Hubble constant, which describes the universe's expansion rate, presents a current challenge for researchers, as varying measurements yield conflicting results. Despite a decade of investigation, no systematic error has been identified, leaving the scientific community with more questions than answers. Verde is optimistic that within these uncertainties lie intriguing discoveries waiting to be explored.
In an era marked by skepticism towards science, Verde remains a proponent of the scientific method, recognizing its limitations but also its unparalleled ability to advance human knowledge. She feels honored to receive accolades for her work, attributing her achievements to the collaborative environment fostered by her peers and institutions, which encourages exploration and even failure as essential parts of the process.
To inspire a new generation of scientists, Verde finds that young people's inherent curiosity about the universe remains unquenchable. She believes that the urge to explore the cosmos is a deeply human trait, one that may lead to profound insights about our origins and existence.
