by Rej Avena
Every success story starts from a simple dream or yet, a simple hobby; a dream that is fulfilled through sheer hard work, patience and love for what one wants to pursue and do.
Some people have been fortunate enough to be endowed a gift or a talent, while some find their passion from the simple to the most extraordinary of things; some even refer to it as a life calling. But every success is achieved only through diligence, perseverance and determination; characteristics that eventually reward not only an accomplishment, but the recognition of having made a difference.
Christopher Go, a celebrated Filipino amateur astronomer, is one great example of such a success, coming from a humble beginning, but packed with fascination and keen interest. He started his journey in astronomy. Starting one night in year 1986, after discovering the magnificence that lies in the heavens, which started from observing the Halley’s comet, to his first solar eclipse, and finally, delving his interest in doing planetary imaging. He has been known for his discovery, the “Red Spot Jr.” or the Oval BA in the 24th of February in the year 2006 using his 11-inch telescope and a CCD camera. Since then, Chris was receiving a lot of opportunities and offers to do planetary research which involves working in a group of professional astronomers that constantly research on Jupiter and had a very good chance to use the most sought Hubble Space Telescope.
Let us take a look, as this down-to-earth, young amateur astronomer answers some questions regarding astronomy in the country and his continued passion for astronomy and astrophotography.
R: Can you tell us how your being an amateur astronomer made you what you are right now?
CG: Nothing really has changed. Astronomy is a hobby to me and I do it because I enjoy it. It is well integrated with my normal life.
R: Being an internationally-recognized amateur astronomer, what can you say about the status of astronomy here in the Philippines?
CG: Astronomy is not one of the top priorities here in the Philippines. I think most people view it as a superfluous science. Yet, Astronomy is the gateway to the science. In Thailand, when they added Astronomy to their Intermediate curriculum, there was an uptick in the number of people taking science and engineering courses. People also tend to be more scientifically literate when they take up Astronomy.
In the Philippines, we still have a long way to go.
R: When did you start your interest in planetary imaging, particularly in the planet Jupiter?
CG: I started doing planetary imaging during the Great Mars Opposition of 2003. I started Jupiter imaging the year after that.
R: Do you still work with Dr. Imke de Pater and other planetary astronomers in and outside the country? If yes, what are you currently up to now? Do you do some researches on other planets aside from Jupiter?
CG: Yes, I am still part of Imke’s group. We are still studying Jupiter’s atmospheres. I also have collaboration with other Jupiter groups and outer planet astronomers like Glenn Orton and Kevin Baines of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Agustin Sanchez Lavega of International Outer Planet Watch whom I co-authored a Nature Paper, and other astronomers around the world. I also collaborate with three spacecrafts, the Cassini Saturn Mission, whom I co-authored another Nature Paper, the recently launched JUNO spacecraft that is going to Jupiter and more recently, New Horizons-Pluto Express.
R: In what way do you think your researches could help encourage other people to thrive in astronomy as well?
CG: I have to say that I have done my research with a limited personal budget and very limited external support. Yes, I am able to do cutting edge research because of international collaboration. I did this by finding out what I can do best and what I can contribute to the research on Outer Planets.
What I would rather encourage is more support in science research in our country. We should do our research with more international collaboration so that we can set our place in the cutting edge of each of the field of science research. Unfortunately, the Philippines rates poorly in terms of research even though we have a lot of capable Filipinos who are able to do a lot of contributions.
R: What advice can you give to fellow astronomers and enthusiasts who wanted to start in planetary imaging in particular? What are the basic requirements?
CG: You just need a medium size telescope, a good mount and a webcam. I started planetary imaging with an 8” telescope and a Phillips Toucam webcam. Other things that is required is patience and perseverance to image the planets every clear night.
*I want to personally thank Mr. Christopher Go for taking his time to answer my questions for this article.
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