Have you ever looked at the dates on a calendar, wondering how they were found? Of course, with the development of technology, the dates these days are computer- generated based on the gathered data. Then, you might wonder, where do we get the data? The basic data is researched and found by Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute (KASI).
Out of the many different jobs that KASI oversees, Ahn Young- sook has worked for the publication of the Korean almanac and to reveal the history of Korean astronomy for more than 35 years. She also has experience as an observational astronomer, working on eclipsing binaries at the Sobaeksan Optical Astronomy Observatory for some ten years of her career.
“As a young girl who admired Madame Curie so much, I simply wanted to become a scientist just like her,” Ahn said. “In high school, I had to make the decision of which field of science to pursue in university. I always had a vague curiosity about the clear, blue sky, and this ignited the start of my astronomy adventure.”
Back when Ahn was a college student, astronomy was a relatively new field of study compared to physics, chemistry, and biology, which had long histories and had already produced various outstanding scholars. Nonetheless, Ahn was determined and believed that she could contribute to the advancement of Korean astronomy.
Throughout her years at university, Ahn studied astronomy, focusing especially on astrometeorology. After finishing her undergraduate education, she did not only move on to graduate school but also started her career at KASI as the first female employee.
When asked about her most challenging experience at KASI, Ahn replied without hesitation that it was being the only female employee of the time.
“Looking back, I remember myself always being cautious about every little decision and action I made,” Ahn said. “As I was the first, and only female scientist in KASI at that time, I had a strong sense of responsibility because my mistakes might take away the opportunities of other female workers from entering the institute in the future.”
Ahn also shared her story of working at an office that did not have a women’s bathroom, competing with male colleagues who tried to take away her job after her return from maternity leave, and experiencing inequality in promotion, despite the fact that KASI is a government-affiliated organization.
However, Ahn was strong enough to view these difficulties as a turning point of her career. As it became difficult for her to join the astronomical observations after becoming a mother, she looked for tasks she could do in the lab. Based on her abilities in programming, she started calculating the astronomical calendar, which led her to later become Senior Research Engineer in the division of almanac production.
“There are many unforgettable moments in my career,” Ahn reminisced. “When my team produced the first independently- Korean astronomical calendar calculating program, when the Korean Astronomical Navigation Law was produced based on my team’s research, and when I finally published my ancient Korean calendar series of the Three Kingdoms Period, Koryo Dynasty, and Joseon Dynasty.”
Even after retiring from KASI in 2021, her passion towards archeoastronomy has not stopped her from working. She is currently taking part in different study group meetings related to archeoastronomy, as well as working with a group of junior scientists on Korean astronomy back in the Joseon Dynasty period. Ahn aims to publish a series of books on Joseon’s astronomical phenomena within two to three years.
“You may be tired of hearing this, but life is long,” Ahn said. “It is a long race, and there is no need to cling onto short-termed goals and achievements. Study and work for your own field persistently, and someday you will be recognized. Be calm, and your time will come.”