On December 13, 2024, Astroteach had the privilege of interviewing Jennie McCormick, a distinguished New Zealand amateur astronomer renowned for her significant contributions to the field. Jennie spoke with us directly from her backyard observatory in Auckland, where she has co-discovered multiple exoplanets and, notably, the asteroid 386622 New Zealand in 2009.
In our conversation, Jennie shared insights into her journey from casual stargazing to making impactful astronomical discoveries. She discussed the challenges and rewards of conducting serious astronomical research from a suburban backyard, emphasizing the importance of passion and dedication in the field.
This interview offers valuable perspectives for aspiring astronomers and enthusiasts interested in the intersection of amateur and professional astronomy.
Stay tuned for the full interview, where Jennie delves deeper into her experiences.
1. Could you please introduce yourself to our audience and share a bit about yourself?
My name is Jennie McCormick, i am a mum of 2 adult sons and Grandmother of 4 young children.
I work full time 8:30am to 5:00pm Monday to Friday managing local Community Venues in east
Auckland, New Zealand.
I have interests in Minerology (minerals & rocks), Meteorology (weather & clouds), Ornithology (birds)
and I just love sharing my passion for all things science with my friends and family, but more so with my
grandchildren. I have a total love for astronomy and so I could fly among the stars.
2. Your story of how you got into astronomy has become quite well-known. Could you share
with us the journey that led you to pursue astronomy and how you got started in the field?
I have always loved the night sky and my earliest memory of this was when I was very young. I lived in a
small town on the West Coast of the North Island of NZ called Wanganui. Of course, all those years ago,
light pollution was nothing like it is today and you could be guaranteed clear and very dark night skies
which were always filled with fabulous jewel like stars.
It wasn’t until I became a young mum and moved to Auckland that I joined a local astronomical society,
learned about the night sky and how to find interesting things using telescopes. I attended many dark
sky camps, meetings and talks and found my interest in astronomy was really taking off.
Basically, I wanted to know as much as I could about astronomy and the more I learnt, the more I
realised that Astronomy was going to become a major part of my life.
So, it was joining the Auckland Astronomical Society that led to me building an observatory in my back
yard in Farm Cove and trying out the use of a CCD camera (charged coupling device) for the first time
that showed me how I could seriously contribute to the science of astronomy in a meaningful way by
taking part in astronomical research.
3. Could you tell us about the beginning of your backyard observatory? What were some of the
initial challenges you faced, particularly with setting up and aligning the devices to ensure
everything worked perfectly?
In 1998, I decided that I needed my own observatory so I could have uninterrupted access to a telescope
and equipment, as using the public telescope at Auckland Observatory was leading to many frustrating
evenings of interruption. I also wanted to have full autonomy over what I was wanting to collaborate on
in research fields.
I was lucky to have friends and family who gave up their time during the winter months to help with the
build of the observatory which was reasonably straight forward.
One of the challenges we faced was the observatory dome installation, as it required a small mobile
crane to lift it up and over my house and into place.
Another challenge was accurately aligning the Meade LX200 10” to the south celestial pole. This took a
number of days and nights to get right and as anyone who has aligned a telescope to their hemispheres
pole knows, it can be a tricky job and can take some time to get right.
The most difficult challenge was learning how to operate the CCD cameras and software. Again, this
took many nights of trial and error but in the end everything worked well and using this equipment now,
is very habitual although the software updates continually change and you always find yourself having to
learn all over again.
4. Could you share with us some of your key discoveries in astronomy, as well as any awards or
honors you’ve received for your contributions to the field?
All the collaborative discoveries I contributed data to have been key discoveries for me, however if I had
to break it down, the co-discovery of OGLE-BLG-2005-071 - a 3 x Jupiter Mass Extrasolar planet would be
one very key discovery I was part of.
This discovery showed that working with amateur observers with small telescopes at many different
latitudes was useful, not only for obtaining long observational runs but it highlighted that important
discoveries can be made in collaboration with amateur observers as they can give valuable observational
time without restriction unlike the professional teams where telescope time is booked in advance and
expensive.
The discovery of Asteroid 386622 New Zealand was incredibly exciting for me as it showed that diligence
and initiative was a very important part of my astronomical observations, as it resulted in the discovery
of the ~1km in diameter, very faint inner main belt asteroid.
In 2006 I was honored to receive a MNZM, Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit. This award was
for services to Astronomy and is awarded by the Queen or King of the Commonwealth.
I was made a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society of New Zealand in 2008 and received their
Murray Geddes Memorial Prize for contributions to astronomy in New Zealand in 2006.
5. Have your discoveries been primarily made through your backyard observatory, or have you
also contributed to observations and discoveries made with other observatories?
All the discoveries and co-discoveries I have made or been involved in, have been made at my Farm
Cove Observatory. I have worked alongside many other observatories and universities with the co-
discoveries of extra solar planets
6. After your discoveries and the recognition you’ve received, have you ever considered formal
studies in astronomy, or do you feel that your practical experience has been enough for your
work in the field?
No. As a solo mother with a full-time job I had no time to consider formal tuition in astronomy. I was and
am, very happy with the astronomical research I take part in and feel that my passion for astronomy,
and the practical experience I have had over the years, has served me well in the research areas I take
part in.
7. What types of celestial events or phenomena do you typically observe from your backyard
observatory? Could you walk us through some of your most memorable observations?
Currently, I have been imaging asteroids for the BAA for a research programme on asteroid rotational
periods. I also take astrometry on comet and asteroids for the Minor Planet Centre.
It was very memorable while blinking a number of images after taking astrometry on a comet to find in
the images, a very faint object moving quickly through the frames. As it turned out this was an
undiscovered object and was my first discovery of an asteroid.
In the winter months when the Galactic Bulge is high above New Zealand I take part in Gravitational
Microlensing events looking for extra solar planets.
Most memorable was the first detection of OGLE-BLG-2005-071 - a 3 x Jupiter Mass Extrasolar planet.
When my data showed the typical deviation in the light curve of a planet, it was obvious that I had
helped in the discovery of a new planet outside our solar system.
From time to time when the sky is clear for long periods i take data on Cataclysmic Variable stars for the
CBA (Center for Backyard Astrophysics)
Cataclysmic Variable star observations would certainly be the most memorable due to their different
system characteristics which look fabulous in their light curves.
An example is the star OY Carina with its many long and interesting eclipses etc. You never know what
you are going to get when observing these systems.
8. You’ve been mentioned in the book Dark Horse, where you’re referred to as an “unexpected
hero.” Your story is often used to inspire others. Could you share your thoughts on this
recognition and how it feels to have your journey used as motivation for others?
I felt very honored to be asked to participate in this book and wondered if I deserved to be included in
it? It was quite a shock to be honest. I am amazed at how many people have read the book.
On reflection, I am very proud of what I have achieved. It was my total passion for astronomy that led
me to want to make contributions to this fabulous science. Because of my passion I pushed ahead to
learn as much as possible, joined a local astronomical group with people who could help me, teach me
and inspire me.
I hope my story has inspired others to use their motivation to forge ahead in areas of science they have
a passion for too.
9. Is there a particular part of your personal or astronomical journey that you are especially
proud of? What achievement or experience stands out to you the most?
I am particularly proud to have achieved my goal of making scientific contributions to the science of
astronomy. I never in my wildest dreams thought I would be able to say that I have co-discovered new
planets and new solar systems. It is just incredible where astronomy has led me.
10. What do you think is the most exciting thing about astronomy for beginners, and how can we
inspire the next generation of amateur astronomers?
I feel the most exciting thing about astronomy for beginners is, it is free and accessible to everyone!
Get out under the stars at night, get excited about being out at night under dark skies. Ask questions
about what you are looking at, what you can see and what else is out there. Take notes, always take
notes.
Join an astronomical group, learn from the more experienced members and always go along to dark
sky/astronomical camps as it is here that inspiration can really get started. Many people have
telescopes that you can look through and they are only too happy to share a view through their
eyepieces.
11. Could you tell us about the importance of amateur astronomy and its role in the broader field
of scientific discovery?
Amateur astronomy can be very important as serious amateurs have the experience of operating
complicated telescopes, equipment and software at their leisure. They decide when, how and what they
would like to observe. They have their telescopes at the ready without having to deal with ‘booked
telescope time’ or professional telescope obligations.
As there are many amateur observers around the world, finding an observatory under clear skies and at
the right latitude for the observations required is a lot easier as you have more to choose from.
When a professional observatory is under cloud or shut down maintenance, there is likely an amateur
observer somewhere out there, that is not.
Being involved with a professional collaboration within a university or observatory is important and
benefits not only the amateur observer but the professionals as well. The professionals know they can
rely on serious amateurs to get onto important research targets without much trouble at all and that
their observations are reliable, and they can supply quality data in real time.
12. What has been the most memorable moment of your career or your journey in astronomy?
Meeting Gates McFaden, the doctor in Star Trek The Next Generation, who came to see me while I was
working as an educator at Auckland Observatory as she had heard about my role in the discovery of
extra solar planet OGLE-BLG-2005-071.
She asked for my autograph, and in return I received a fantastic, signed note from her with the words
that read;
“To Jennie, from the Dr in space to the real discoverer who boldly went where no one went before!”
13. What current projects are you working on?
Imaging asteroids for the BAA for a research programme on asteroid rotational periods and astrometry
of comet and asteroids for the Minor Planet Centre.
14. How do you see the future of astronomy evolving, especially with advancements in
technology and new discoveries on the horizon?
As telescopes, imaging equipment, computer software and satellite technology evolve we will continue
to learn even more about the Universe. I am sure there are more fabulous discoveries to be made in
astronomy.
As Space Travel becomes more advanced, we will one day travel through the stars ourselves, visiting
new worlds and civilizations too. How cool that would be!
15. Is there anything you’ve always wanted to do in astronomy or in your personal life that you
haven’t had the chance to accomplish yet?
Yes, to be able to operate a very large professional telescope and observe and image my asteroid,
386622 New Zealand, in all possible wavelengths. Wow that would be amazing and what a great poster
it would make.
and I am still trying to discover my very own comet.
16. Is there a book that you would recommend, one that you believe everyone should read?
There are many amazing books, but I think first we all need to understand that;
all of us and almost everything we see around us is made from stars, that the planet we live on is one of
many trillions and trillions in the Universe and it is 4.5 billion years old. That human life evolved from
our ancestors something like 6 million years ago – amazing stuff eh, and all scientifically proven.
Then I would recommend getting a ‘Guide to the Night Sky’ book for your hemisphere and learn your
way around the constellations, the stars and stellar objects they contain. The book I had when I first
started out was called ‘Collins Pocket Guide to Stars and Planets’ and I still use it to this day.
17. What advice would you give to someone who is interested in becoming an astronomer? How
can they get started in the field, and what steps should they take to pursue a career in
astronomy?
Firstly, I would recommend joining a local astronomical group or society.
I would purchase or get form the library a ‘Guide to the Night Sky’ book.
Perhaps purchase a cheap pair of binoculars or hire a telescope and get out under the night sky and
explore the sky above you.
Talk with a school career adviser or teacher about how to pursue a professional career in astronomy
if that is what you are wanting to do.
Really it is important to get out and under a dark sky – look at the stars, planets, moon etc and learn
about them by reading, talking and doing.
18. Is there anything you’d like to talk about that we haven’t covered yet in our conversation?
Not that I can think of at this stage
19. As we wrap up, is there any final message or thought you’d like to share with our audience?
The one thing I have learnt in astronomy is, nothing is impossible;
Tenacity and initiative are two important traits of being a good observer - always double check your
data, and if you have hunch, go with it as you never know what you may find!
