Wednesday, August 22, 2007 ‘2 moons’ a hoax, says Cebuano astronomer
HIS love for the sky gave him a place in Philippine history.
Astronomer Christopher Y. Go, 36, discovered a red spot in planet Jupiter.
It is only the second red spot found. The first one, known as the Great Red Spot, was discovered in 1664 by Robert Hooke, inventor of the microscope.
More than three centuries later, Go found a spot in the planet Jupiter, known as Oval BA. Last Feb. 27, 2006, the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration issued an official statement about the reddening of the spot detected by Go.
The reddening was the start of the violent upheaval that occurred in Jupiter starting last year.
This does not have any effect on Earth, though.
But Go told reporters that he hopes this will open up more studies on global warming.
Go’s theory on the upheaval on Jupiter is due to temperature change.
For his accomplishments, the astronomer and space physicist was awarded yesterday with the San Carlos Borromeo Award at the University of San Carlos (USC).
Go and his international research team are currently looking at the effects of temperature change in Jupiter, Mars and Earth.
The Jupiter upheaval is the subject of two reports that Go and his team have submitted to two international science journals. Go is the only Filipino in the team.
Next year, Go’s muses will be Mars and Saturn.
Mars also became a hot topic, with e-mails and text messages making the rounds that the planet will be visible from Earth.
“That’s a hoax and it happens every year,” Go said.
He said that since 2003, there have been stories that Mars will be closing in on Earth.
There is some truth to the stories, though, Go said. Within the year, Mars will have a good opposition with Earth, which simply means that it will be closer to Earth.
Even then, Go said, Mars will only be visible through a telescope.
If there are indications that Mars is as close to Earth as the rumors set it out to be, it would be “catastrophic,” described Go.
Teacher
Go graduated with a physics degree from the university and taught for two years there.
He and his wife Vicky have three children.
The biggest challenge for Go was his being a Filipino, because Filipinos are not known in the field of astronomy.
“They (other astronomers-physicists) were skeptical for a year or two. It was hard to gain respect especially if you’re doing things better,” Go lamented.
But the country needs more of him.
“One thing our country needs is science. Without science and research, we cannot improve our economy,” Go said, adding that the country needs “high-technology” resources in order to produce “high-quality” goods.
“It is a great honor for the school because his natural love for stargazing led him to a scientific field,” Fr. Teodoro Gapuz, SVD, USC vice president for academic affairs, said of Go’s achievement.
Go started his career as an astrophotographer shortly after receiving his first telescope in 1990.
He did not look back since then.
Go was asked to become an honorary lecturer for the USC physics department.
“Excellence lies not just in the facilities but also in the faculty,” Dr. Roland Otadoy, chairman of the department, said.
Go is also the recipient of the Presidential Medal of Merit, handed by President Arroyo last March. He also received the Garbo sa Sugbu award from Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia last year. (JGA)
