Maggie Aderin-Pocock

Im so pleased to be part of this cherished and much loved institution Presenting The Sky at Night has brought me full circle as a child I would beg my parents to allow me to stay up late and watch the programme It even inspired me to go to night school at a young age to make my own telescope mirror which I lovingly crafted and gave me my first glimpse of the breathtaking spectacle above us This enthusiasm eventually led to a degree in Physics and a PhD in Mechanical Engineering and then working on the wonderful 8m Gemini telescope in Chile as well as the James Webb Space Telescope Growing up I always wanted to be an astronaut I havent succeeded in doing that yet but being a space scientist is the next best thing because Im building instruments that go into space Im very lucky to have found work I enjoy so much and that is also so varied not just building equipment that goes into space but also talking about it I like to pass on my enthusiasm when I can But I havent given up on that dream I want to retire to Mars Some people choose gardening I choose Mars