Nitika Yadlapalli
- Grad student in the Division of Physics, Math and Astronomy
- Hometown Monroe Township, NJ
- Date of this Interview April 2, 2020
What do you research?
I’m in the radio astronomy group in the Caltech astronomy department and I’m interested in the process of how telescopes are designed and built. For my thesis, I’ll be working on commissioning a set of radio telescopes at the Owens Valley Radio Observatory, one of which will become a new station for the Event Horizon Telescope.
Why does space inspire you?
What really inspires me about space is that it’s even possible to study it. The fact that we as humans can build telescopes, point them towards objects millions of trillions of miles away, and then actually see those distant objects blows my mind every day.
What’s the first thing you’re looking forward to doing after COVID-19 isolation ends?
I really can’t wait to get back to the rock climbing gym with my friends!
If you were a celestial body which celestial body would you be and why?
I think I would be Cassiopea A – it’s the remnant of an exploded star, the brightest radio source outside of the solar system, and named after a queen!
