Towards the unraveling of mysteries - the astronomer from Kosovo, Pranvera Hyseni aims for space with the most advanced telescope in the world "James Webb"

The still undiscovered secrets and mysteries of the universe, or the universe as we know it forever, have fueled the imagination and curiosity of scientists.

It was exactly two years ago when NASA released some images taken by the world's most advanced and powerful telescope, the James Webb, showing elements of our universe and distant galaxies as they were 13 billion years ago.

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Now, the astronomer from Kosovo, Pranvera Hyseni, aims to study asteroids through this telescope.

Hyseni is doing this by collaborating with her mentors at the University of California, by submitting a draft proposal for the use of the James Webb telescope.

Pranvera Hyseni, astronomer from Kosovo

“The James Webb Space Telescope is in Earth orbit, so its location and advanced instrumentation made it the most perfect candidate so far. This telescope not only provides observation in the spectrum mentioned above, but also enables the observation of small celestial bodies, whose spectrum is extremely difficult to measure due to their low magnitude."

But what are the further goals of Spring and what does this project mean for the astronomer from Kosovo, read the full interview;

Telegraph: How is your PhD going in the USA and in which university and country are you engaged?

Spring Hyseni: My name is Pranvera Hyseni, and I am pursuing my doctoral studies in the field of Planetary Astronomy at the University of California, Santa Cruz, USA. My research is mainly focused on the study of small celestial bodies, such as: asteroids, comets, and meteors. The purpose of research is to understand the composition of these celestial bodies based on spectral analysis, either through telescopes or other laboratory equipment, in order to explain as clearly as possible the processes that have played a role in the creation of various minerals in the solar system.

Months ago you sent the project proposal for the use of the most advanced telescope in the world (James Webb Telescope) for the study of asteroids in the region of the infrared wave spectrum, what does this mean and what extension will this give you telescope for the study of asteroids?

Pranvera Hyseni, astronomer from Kosovo

Part of the doctoral thesis is also this project-proposal, which we compiled together with my mentors from the University of California, researchers from the Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio, Texas, as well as scientists from NASA's Ames Research Center. Research Center in California.

Since the Webb telescope is among the most advanced in the world, the approval of project proposals is highly competitive. However, our project aims to study asteroids at a wavelength that is impossible to observe with any other telescope on the Earth's surface, since the Earth's atmosphere makes observation in the infrared wavelength spectrum impossible.

Spring Hyseni and former American astronaut, the tenth person to walk on the moon during the Apollo 16 mission

The James Webb Space Telescope is in Earth orbit, so its location and advanced instrumentation made it the most perfect candidate so far. This telescope not only provides observation in the spectrum mentioned above, but also enables observation of small celestial bodies, whose spectrum is extremely difficult to measure due to their low magnitude. Our project was officially submitted in October 2023, and we are still waiting for a response from the selection staff. Of course, if the answer is positive, then this will be the most important research project of my career so far.

Telegraph: How many researchers are involved in this project?

Spring Hyseni: As I mentioned above, we are a group of researchers belonging to different scientific institutions, around eight authors.

Telegraph: Years ago you sent the logo of "Astronomy Outreach of Kosovo" to the International Space Station (ISS), how did you manage to do this? Have you had support from Kosovo, state institutions, organizations, friends, etc.?

Spring Hyseni: The design of the symbol (logo) of our non-governmental organization, Astronomy Outreach of Kosovo, contains the symbols and colors of the flag of Kosovo. In 2019, our logo was printed on the premises of the International Space Station by Russian cosmonaut Alexey Ovchinin, who then signed and photographed 400 km above in Earth's orbit, sending congratulations and greetings to the staff of our organization. This was all a surprise planned for our staff by our friend from Switzerland, Rodrigo Araya, who has close contacts with various astronauts from around the world. Of course, for us this was one of the proudest moments, especially for the fact that a Russian cosmonaut has supported our organization, given the political conflicts between our country and the Russian one. After the completion of cosmonaut Alexey's mission, he brought with him to Earth the original AOK logo signed and photographed in space, which he then mailed to our staff in Kosovo, which we are proud to reveal in the Scientific Astronomy Center in Shtime, which will open in June 2024.

Telegraph: In your opinion, how far do you think science in Kosovo is developed and where do we lag the most? Does Kosovo have the capacity and framework to advance the evolution of science?

Spring Hyseni: The development of science in Kosovo is generally stagnant, unfortunately. Although our population has extremely talented individuals, economic conditions and infrastructure made it impossible to advance science. However, if we talk about astronomy in particular, then it is the only science that almost did not exist in Kosovo until the last decade. Prof. Dr. Rasim Bejtullahu is almost the only professor in Kosovo who has kept this science on the surface in our schools through books compiled on a scientific basis. Meanwhile, the practice of this field has only started in the last decade. With the establishment of astronomy clubs, it has become possible for our population to get to know optical equipment closely, as well as access to perform observations of celestial bodies from Kosovo. Although so far, I cannot say that what we have practiced so far is the most advanced scientific step, it is important to point out that this has at least raised the attention of our institutions and citizens, especially among the new generations. that the science of Astronomy is of great importance. However, so that our citizens have the opportunity to contribute directly to the advancement of this field, then our organization, in cooperation with the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, as well as the Municipality of Shtime, will open the First Scientific Center in Kosovo. The National Observatory and Planetarium of Kosovo", which will enable any student or citizen who expresses interest, to use our optical equipment, donated by the Celestron company, to participate in various campaigns and observations such as in the detection of asteroids, supernovae, variable stars.. etc.

Telegraph: What can we expect from the first observatory and planetarium that is being designed in Kosovo?

Spring Hyseni: In addition to the various programs that I mentioned above, where citizens can participate, this scientific center will play an important role in popularizing the science of Astronomy. In addition to the observatory that will have a 14" telescope as well as the Planetarium in which we will bring different scientific shows, our center will also have a variety of scientific exhibits, which will be compiled in a constructive and educational way for to enable each individual, regardless of age, to understand the fundamentals of the science of astronomy, physics, chemistry, geology, etc.

The first observatory being built in Kosovo

Telegraph: With your friends in the USA and in the community of scientists, do you discuss Kosovo and the education system here? Have you told about your hometown?

Spring Hyseni: Kosovo and astronomy in Kosovo is a topic that is often discussed among scientists and astronomers in the USA. First of all, during the last decade, we have succeeded as a non-governmental organization to penetrate beyond the borders of our country, representing Kosovo in conferences, universities, and meetings in different countries of the world. All these representations over the years have given Kosovo a special recognition in the field of the science of Astronomy. Thanks to these recognitions, today our organization possesses about $30,000 worth of optical equipment donated by various astronomy societies, and about another $50,000 in equipment donated to the astronomy center. Since 2020, I have moved to California, USA, to pursue Master and Ph.D studies, therefore this has also enabled me to make new contacts with scientists and researchers who are constantly supporting the astronomy center, which we aim to open in June 2024.

Telegraph: In your experience in the US, how much are students/pupils stimulated to do science there?

Spring Hyseni: The USA is one of the most economically and scientifically developed countries. One of the things that leave a great impression on me here are the efforts of parents, schools, and institutions to encourage as many students as possible who express interest in certain fields, whether scientific or not. The moment a child expresses interest in a field, they are offered all the conditions to follow different projects and trainings, until they reach the appropriate expertise.

Telegraph: Will we see Spring in the future on the International Space Station or on some other space travel, what is the purpose of life?

Spring Hyseni: No! My goals are concentrated in the field I have chosen, that is, in the study of the origin and composition of the solar system, therefore space travel is a field in itself, which I do not have a goal, but I do not doubt at all that someone from Kosovo will achieve it that step into the future.

Telegraph: As a planetary science researcher, how real do you think the chances are that in the next few decades we will set foot on Mars for the first time, or land in the orbit of the Red Planet?

Spring Hyseni: We have only set foot on one other celestial body in the 60s, the Moon, and are planning to set foot again in the coming years with the Artemis space missions. Therefore, I have no doubt that the first step to Mars is possible. The speed at which technology is developing, I am convinced that we will see the first step on Mars no later than within the next decade. /Telegraph/