Distinguished astrophysicist strives to rediscover the joy as she takes on the Assistant Director role at Embry-Riddle’s Jim and Linda Lee Planetarium
By Hilary Dartt
Suzy Gurton grew up Cananea, Sonora, Mexico, a small mining town with “gorgeous night skies.”
She grew up with an interest in science but chose to attend the University of Arizona (U of A) to become an accountant because it seemed like a good, stable job.
Then she took an astronomy class. The wonder she experienced set her life on a new trajectory. Most recently, that trajectory has brought her to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU), where she is the Assistant Director of the Jim and Linda Lee Planetarium.
At this point in her career, Suzy said during a recent interview, she is looking to “find the joy.”
Her work in astronomy and physics has spanned five decades and taken her to Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles, the University of Colorado at Boulder, Santa Fe Community College, the American Museum of Natural History, the Astronomical Society of the Pacific, and the National Radio Astronomy Observatory.
According to Eric Edelman, the Planetarium’s Director, “Suzy is an incredibly knowledgeable and passionate scientific storyteller who is single-minded in her devotion of spreading the wonders of astronomy, STEM, and more generally, learning to all who are willing to listen.”
That common theme, she said, a “sense of wonder of the night sky,” has carried her through her various positions and roles. And, she said, “The more you know, the more wonder there is.”
In that first U of A astronomy class, Suzy—who’d always enjoyed puzzles and mysteries—was “dumbfounded” by what she learned.
“We can look at these little twinkling beams of starlight … they’re like secret messages to be decoded. There is so much more under the surface. And the fact that we can understand so much when we’ve never even been there … just by dissecting the light. It amazed me and captured my imagination.”
She spoke with her professor about changing her major, and he was skeptical—not many women went into astronomy and physics at that time. But when she aced calculus, he realized she had potential. After that, he helped ensure she had every opportunity to learn more about her new field of study.
Throughout her career, she’s worked with many wonderful mentors and colleagues. One of her most notable achievements: receiving the Astronomical Society of the Pacific’s Klumpke-Roberts Award in 2022 for outstanding contributions to the public understanding and appreciation of astronomy.
Suzy called it “an award for sharing the joy of astronomy” and added, “Most of my heroes have received [that award], and I’m humbled to be on that list.”
Now, she said, she’s a “twentieth-century gal having to work with twenty-first century equipment” at ERAU. She is managing that learning curve, though, while creating and giving presentations to school children, families, retirees, who she called “my people,” with the hope of inspiring all to be lifelong learners.
“They have time to explore [their interest in astronomy], and we’re allowing them access to the night sky.”
And she’s working with dedicated, enthusiastic students “on an amazing STEM campus where we can tackle science questions.”
“As the only planetarium north of Phoenix here in Arizona,” Eric said, “we are an incredibly active facility dedicated to serving everyone and anyone that wanders into our orbit with an interest in exploring the universe. Adding to the team has allowed us to begin to meet the growing demand for the planetarium’s services from all walks of life.”
Just as Suzy has striven to do, she is recapturing the joy of a long and successful career in astrophysics.
And, according to Eric, “while her resumé of incredible planetarium-related positions speaks for itself, she speaks for herself more so. She is motivated, resourceful, and just a joy to be around.”
Learn more about The Jim and Linda Lee Planetarium, including upcoming shows, at https://prescott.erau.edu/about/planetarium.