A day in the life of an Astrophysicist at Oxford University

When people find out I’m an astrophysicist - I often get asked: “So, what do you actually do all day?” The easiest way to answer that question is to show you. From data crunching, to seminars, to journal clubs, emails and chatting on the radio; this was my Thursday 14th November 2019.

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📚 Note, USA & Canada hardback out 1st November 2022

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🔔 Don't forget to subscribe and click the little bell icon to be notified when I post a new video!

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Music is "Future Girl" by RKVC from the YouTube Music Library

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👩🏽‍💻 Dr. Becky Smethurst is an astrophysicist researching galaxies and supermassive black holes at Christ Church at the University of Oxford.

[kamil]

Finally some "a day in life" video that shows the actual job and not what someone had for lunch and what they do in the gym. GREAT!

[BrettMcS]

"What did you do today?"
"I'm a physicist, so I thought about stuff".
"Is that all?"
"I wrote some of it down!"

[uberdriver]

Seeing how intelligent, honest, and hardworking this woman is and how easy she makes her work look makes me very envious

[catpoke]

This looks like such a fun job. It's like a perfect mix between a generic office job, and a job with real activity behind it. You're sat in an office a lot of the time, but with a purpose you care about. Sometimes with your own research goals, sometimes research for others- but always doing what you love. Thinking, researching, testing.

[Zod_JB]

Even an Astrophysicist uses a stack of books as a laptop stand. Love it lol

[angelica]

These are the kinds of "Day in the Life" videos I want to see, not those of influencers...

[phenomenalphysics]

Mom: what are you doing?
Me: watching someone living my dream life

[Futemire]

Thanks, you motivated my son to look into astrophysics!!!

[DrBecky]

So admittedly I picked a rather exciting, busy day! An average day might see me sat at my desk doing a bit more research. But this still gives you a nice flavour for what I get up to 👍🤗🤓
IMPORTANT NOTE: The Department of Physics at Oxford is NOT OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. It is protected by strict security to protect both staff and the public. If you turn up at the building, you will be turned away and escorted by security from the premises.
UPDATE: You'll all be happy to know that I got some AirPods for Christmas 2019

[roddickwynoricafort]

this lighthearted portrayal of a seemingly complex and "for geniuses only" job (at least that's the impression of most people) makes it a more approachable choice of profession for me, thank you :)

[plumfun]

See this? THIS is what needs to be show to kids going into high-school and again when they are in high-school. This is the kind of thing that gets people excited. It's a job/career that is basically a "do what you think is going to be useful, fun and insightful" thing you do every day and then get money for it. :)
..
Oh well. I love space. I love math. Unfortunately for me, math *hates my guts*...so...yeah. :( I guess that's why I'm an artist. :)

PS: Dr. Becky...Subscribed! :)

[koifishes]

This was like a movie or a short film. I don't know why, but I teared up at the end. This was very inspirational, and it makes me happy to see people genuinely happy with what they're doing in life. I hope to be this fulfilled someday in the future. Thanks for the video.

[peeper]

Oh you’re an astrophysicist? Name every star.

[sahilbasera]

As a Computer Science Major, I must admit I was a little shocked to see astrophysicists code that much.

[DogukanSeptem]

I've dreamt of becoming an astrophysicist when I was a child and a teenager. Well, the problem was it apparently takes a lot more than just fascination :)

[RMDEOFFICIAL]

I watched all 1118 seconds of this video, and would gladly do it again. It fascinates me how much people can learn and study in such a short period of time. everyone she talks about is truly remarkable; well done!

[davegtar]

Things I've learned watching this video.

1, it's confirmed my love for science.
2, That looks exhausting.
3, That looks rewarding.
4, That looks like it can be boring.
5, Exercise is important.
6, This Becky person is rather intelligent.
7, Oxford is a whole other world
8, I've wasted the last 10 years of my life.
9, Science is still awesome.
10, Nerds are my people!

[DrAdnan]

It must be nice hanging out with super smart people all day

[RAYNINGMAKER]

SO, I knew I wanted to be a scientist before, but now I really know I want to be a scientist

[No_Name_Sage]

My dad sent me this. Since I was 5 I have always been obsessed with astrophysics and everything related to it. So this is just so incredibly cool to me ❤