David C. Jewitt

David C. Jewitt is a renowned British astronomer and planetary scientist who has made significant contributions to the field of astronomy, particularly in the discovery of trans-Neptunian objects and comets. He is currently a professor at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and has worked at various institutions, including the University of Hawaii and the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). Jewitt's work has been influenced by notable astronomers such as Carl Sagan and Isaac Newton, and he has collaborated with researchers from institutions like the European Southern Observatory (ESO) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). His research has also been supported by organizations like the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Royal Astronomical Society.

● Early Life and Education

Jewitt was born in London, England, in 1958 and developed an interest in astronomy at a young age, inspired by the work of Galileo Galilei and Johannes Kepler. He pursued his undergraduate degree in astronomy at University College London (UCL), where he was influenced by the teachings of Paul Murdin and Michael Rowan-Robinson. Jewitt then moved to the University of Cambridge to complete his graduate studies, working under the supervision of Donald Lynden-Bell and Martin Rees. During his time at Cambridge, he was exposed to the work of notable astronomers like Stephen Hawking and Roger Penrose, and he became familiar with the research conducted at institutions like the Institute of Astronomy, Cambridge and the Kavli Institute for Cosmology.

● Career

Jewitt's career in astronomy has spanned over three decades, during which he has held positions at various institutions, including the University of Hawaii, Caltech, and UCLA. He has worked closely with researchers from organizations like the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), the European Space Agency (ESA), and the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI). Jewitt has also been involved in several NASA missions, including the Hubble Space Telescope and the Spitzer Space Telescope, and has collaborated with astronomers like Neil deGrasse Tyson and Brian Greene. His work has been supported by grants from the NSF and the Royal Society, and he has published numerous papers in prestigious journals like the Astrophysical Journal and the Astronomical Journal.

● Research and Discoveries

Jewitt's research has focused on the study of comets, asteroids, and trans-Neptunian objects, and he has made several significant discoveries in these areas. He is credited with the discovery of Haumea, a dwarf planet in the Kuiper Belt, and has also discovered several other trans-Neptunian objects, including Makemake and Quaoar. Jewitt's work has been influenced by the research of astronomers like Mike Brown and Chad Trujillo, and he has collaborated with scientists from institutions like the Carnegie Institution for Science and the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics. His discoveries have been recognized by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) and have been featured in publications like the New York Times and Nature.

● Awards and Honors

Jewitt has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to astronomy, including the Shaw Prize in Astronomy and the Kavli Prize in Astrophysics. He is a fellow of the Royal Society and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and has been awarded honorary degrees from institutions like the University of Oxford and the University of Edinburgh. Jewitt has also been recognized by organizations like the National Academy of Sciences and the American Astronomical Society, and has received awards like the Henry Norris Russell Lectureship and the Beatrice M. Tinsley Prize.

● Personal Life

Jewitt is married to Jane Luu, a Vietnamese-American astronomer who has also made significant contributions to the field of astronomy. The couple has two children and resides in Los Angeles, California. Jewitt is an avid hiker and enjoys spending time outdoors, often visiting national parks like Yosemite National Park and Grand Canyon National Park. He is also a fan of classical music and has attended performances at venues like the Hollywood Bowl and the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Jewitt's work has been featured in various media outlets, including the BBC and the Discovery Channel, and he has been interviewed by journalists like Sarah Kendzior and Glenn Greenwald.