Mountains and MASERs

By Gordon MacLeod

abstract

I evolved from a theoretical astrophysicist to a pure observer looking for ways to better observe MASERs. MASERs are just LASERs at microwave wavelengths. Scientifically, I present interesting phenomena discovered through long-term (and painful waiting) monitoring of some of these MASERs, e.g. periodicity, episodic flaring, and velocity drifts. Astronomy isn’t just observing and conferences, I assisted in the development of new observatories, the LMT, SKA, AVN and now smaller telescopes for teaching and training. Lastly, I explain how we are trying to rebrand Mount Kilimanjaro, through astronomy, to extract maximum economic return for Tanzania.

bio

Gordon MacLeod, Co-Founder of Global Emerging Radio Astronomy Foundation

Dr. Gordon C. MacLeod – is a published PhD astronomer who holds an MBA focused in entrepreneurship and has over 30 years of experience in research, business management & strategy consulting and concept development globally. For most of these 30 years, Gordon worked in South Africa, but also in Mexico and other African countries. For 15 years he improved his observing skills at observatories, for 10 years he fired people, and finally spent the remaining years paying penance for the latter via government policy development and private astronomy & alternative energy consulting. Gordon contributes a wealth of business and specifically observatory operations experience to the Global Energy Radio Astronomy Foundation.

Gordon MacLeod at Uhuru peak in 2012 (with daughter and guide).

Gordon MacLeod at Uhuru peak in 2022 (with Shep Doelman).