Madrid native Alex Benítez, a gifted young programmer, has joined a team focused on galactic observation of MACS0647-JD, as reported by The Country.
Benítez’s aptitude for computers was evident early on, notes The Country. Self-taught, he mastered programming before reaching his teens. Now 17, this Madrid student is uniquely distinguished; he’s the only secondary school pupil participating in the James Webb Telescope Cycle 1 General Observers Program, initiated December 25, 2021.
Last summer, Benítez secured the coordinates from Dan Coe, a researcher at the Space Telescope Science Institute, overseeing both Hubble and the James Webb telescope. The Spanish publication indicates Coe’s project targets the galaxy MACS0647-JD, a venture to which the young Madrilenian was invited.
This galaxy, one of the cosmos’ oldest or youngest, depending on perspective, explains The Country. While previously observed with Hubble, the James Webb telescope promises far deeper insights, Benítez stated to the daily:
Our goal is precise compositional analysis and, if feasible, […] observation of surrounding, even more ancient galaxies.
Astronomers validated this project using a computer simulation predicting James Webb’s observations of a specific sky sector. Benítez refined this recent program, correcting several errors:
My contribution involved multiple program reviews for comprehension and functional improvement, guided by Dan Coe. It’s a highly complex program, requiring extensive knowledge of telescopes and celestial bodies.
Coe subsequently invited the young Spaniard to ongoing collaboration, particularly data processing commencing in autumn 2022.
Benítez began early physics studies at Madrid’s Complutense University. He finds the subject particularly engaging, telling El Pais, “It grounds mathematics in reality. You stay connected to the tangible.” A sentiment that doesn’t hinder his astronomical aspirations.
