Maryame El Moutamid, a scientist and expert in orbital dynamics and celestial mechanics, is one of the most prominent Moroccan names that stand out in astronomy and tracking the orbits and rings of planets.
She went from Essaouira to one of the most prominent astronomical institutes in the world, Southwest Research in the United States of America.
In an interview with Hespress, El Moutamid tells us about her story and scientific efforts. She also explains how a Moroccan name still contributes to the famous “Cassini” mission in 2013, along with her efforts in the James Webb Telescope, considered one of the most prominent human inventions to date.
The Moroccan scientist, who has 15 years of experience in astronomy, participates in numerous research efforts and missions associated with the Southwest Institute and NASA.
She said that “her dream is to teach astrophysics in her country, Morocco.”
El Moutamid states that it is “certain that Morocco will continue to make significant strides in increasing our understanding of the universe”.
First of all, would you like to tell us about your educational path from baccalaureate to undergraduate in France, moving to work in America in your field?
More than two decades ago, I passed my baccalaureate in Essaouira, Morocco, before beginning a long journey that led me to Paris, in 2003 to finish my university studies. Subsequently, I pursued a master’s degree in astrophysics at the Paris-MeudonObservatory, specializing specifically in the dynamics of gravity systems. This academic pursuit shaped my path to a PhD in astrophysics and planetary science, with a focus on celestial mechanics.
Upon obtaining my PhD, I immigrated to the United States, where I joined Cornell University as a member of the NASA/Cassini mission team. This opportunity gave me invaluable expertise in planning missions, analyzing data and securing funding for many projects with NASA. My decade-long tenure at Cornell was an important chapter in my personal and professional development, during which I honed my skills and experience. Throughout my journey at the Paris Observatory and Cornell University, I have had the privilege of collaborating with brilliant minds in planetary science and astrophysics. Their willingness to share knowledge and experience greatly enriched my learning experience. Over the past 15 years in the field of astronomy, I have widened my understanding from basic sky observation basis to complex theories governing the motion of celestial bodies, internal structure and evolutionary processes. Additionally, I have actively contributed to mission planning and funding proposals from NASA. I point out that teaching and supervising research projects was an integral part of my professional career; Which allowed me to transfer my experience and knowledge to the next generation of scientists. I take pride in nurturing young minds and contributing to the development of science through education and mentorship. Last March I moved to the Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) from the Cornell Center for Astrophysics and Planetary Science, where I was a senior researchAssociate. As a principal scientist at the Southwest Institute, I conduct analytical or numerical modeling studies and model analysis of problems in solar system dynamics,and I’m also engaged in many other projects and mission planning.
How did your relationship with the field of orbital and celestial mechanics begin?
Scientists have always fascinated me, with astronomers occupying a special place in my curiosity. The simple fact of observing nature to uncover mysteries that govern chemical and physical processes has always captivated me. While reading the records of ancient astronomy, I came across the brilliant Johannes Kepler (1571-1630), whose focused observations led to profound results; Including the important laws that explain the motion of celestial bodies, Kepler’s contributions resonate deeply with me. If I could meet someone from the 16th century, he would undoubtedly be my choice.
However, since time travel remains elusive—which, of course, is just a metaphor in this case—I have chosen to immerse myself in the field of celestial mechanics.
Through simple observation, we can establish mathematical laws that illuminate the phenomena we observe. Engaging in developing theoretical frameworks to explain these observations has become my passion. This addiction to formulating and refiningtheoretical models began in 2008. Since then, I have been completely addicted, and I am grateful for that.
Can you elaborate more about the nature of your specialty and work in America?
I worked at Cornell University in 2014, after which I moved from the Cornell Center for Astrophysics and Planetary Science, where I was a senior research associate in Boulder, Colorado, to working at the Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) as a principal scientist. The nature of my work is largely consistent with what I did at Cornell, where I was responsible for investigating the common mechanisms that influence the orbital dynamics of rings, moons, and planetesimals across the solar system. At SwRI, among many projects, I will conduct analytical and numerical modeling studies and model analysis of problems in solar system dynamics.
Tell us about your experience on the famous “Cassini” mission in 2014. What was your role specifically?
In September 2017, the Cassini spacecraft ended its mission by deliberately plunging into Saturn’s atmosphere, providing invaluable data during its final orbit. When its mission ended, Cassini became embedded into the planet that the spacecraft had observed for 13 years. Throughout its mission, scientists around the world have collected data from it; Resulting in profound insights into Saturn, its rings and moons, as well as their interconnected dynamics and gravitational interactions.
Fortunately, to gain access to wealth of information, I collaborated with my colleagues on various research topics, investigating planet formation, ring structures, and moon characteristics. My particular focus has been on clarifying the relationship between Saturn’s subsoil and the features of its rings. Furthermore, my ongoing projects aim to rebuild the orbital evolution of Saturn’s moons over the past 100 million years. By solving the mysteries of these evolutionary pathways, we all aspire to unravel the mysteries surrounding the formation of the planet’s system, its origin and its evolutionary journey.
What missions did you work on with NASA?
First, the Cassini mission. Although the spacecraft’s mission around Saturn has ended; The Cassini Data Analysis Program (CDAP) is ongoing, exploiting the loads of datarecovered during a 13-year journey. Ongoing analysis, focusing in particular on the mysterious structures of Saturn’s rings, continues to yield new results on the planet’s internal composition, rotational dynamics, and formation processes. Through this program, we remain committed to uncovering the secrets hidden within the vast repository of Cassini data, contributing to our ever-increasing understanding of the Saturnian system.
Then, a second mission at the famous James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), where this large telescope is now trained on different structures across the universe. Ranging from small moons and faint rings within our solar system, to distant galaxies in the universe. Currently, I work as a principal investigator of a successful proposal aimed at securing the time observation of Uranus using the NIRCam instrument aboard the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). Uranus stands out among the planets of our solar system due to its unique characteristics, through its exceptionally high axial tiltof about 98 degrees, which may have been the result of an ancient huge impact. In addition, its ring-moon system shows an interesting composition with closely packed components and relatively low albedos, suggesting a composition that is not yet fully understood.
The data obtained from NIRCam observations will provide important criteria for understanding the current composition, historical context, origins, age and evolutionary path of Uranus’ rings and moons. Furthermore, JWST observations of faint, dusty rings will enable detailed characterization of structures such as the Zeta ring and other materials orbiting near the peaks of Uranus’ clouds. This information is crucial for assessing potential risks and reporting future mission planning; Such as NASA’s “Uranus Orbiter and Probe (UOP)” mission. There is another project I am working on called “Lucy,” and another project on an undisclosed mission.
What scientific research are you currently working on? Are there others in the future?
The future is bright and full of projects for me at SwRI. I will be working on many projects, firstly related to Saturn, its moons and rings, and the complex gravitational connection between these three components within the Saturnian system. This work will shed light on the interior of Saturn, its differential rotation and its field, and will also attempt to unravel the mysteries of the Moon’s formation and evolution, and will help estimate the controversial age of its magnificent rings.
I am also working on the topic of “terrestrial stellar occultation” related to the “characterization of centaurs”, dwarf planets and “trans-Neptunian” objects, to reveal their physical forms and surrounding environments. I also have research on characterizing exoplanets, with a focus on determining their masses and orbital features, to uncover their origins and evolutionary history. I have another research regarding the design of small missions, such as SATs smallSATs and CubeSATs, as an influencer in validating and providing feedback on theoretical predictions. And lastly, another research on the formation and evolution of Uranus’ moons.
I am stating that the collaborative efforts of my colleagues have the potential to influence future space missions, in particular, the “Uranus Orbiter”, whose Probe (UOP) mission is scheduled to be launched in about a decade. This mission is a key component of the pioneering Uranus Initiative, which has received strong endorsement in the latest Planetary Science and Astrobiology Decadal Survey. My future research is on the Lucy mission, which is heading to the Trojan asteroids, likely to be remnants of the same primordial material that formed the exoplanets. I will be focusing on satellites, as the Lucy mission will search for Trojan rings and asteroids.
Are telescopes alone enough to understand the nature of other planets?
Telescopes play a difficult role in providing the necessary data to develop theoretical models. Synergies between the observational data obtained through telescopes and the theoretical investigations are indispensable for unraveling the processes of planetary formation and evolution. Both aspects of observation and theory are equally important in enhancing our understanding of how planets form and how they evolve.
In your opinion, what difficulties are encountered while observing planets?
The main challenge lies in the vast distances that separate Earth from these planets. The closest exoplanetary system known to us is the Alpha Centauri, which is about 4.2 light-years from the Sun.
Tell us about your efforts in Morocco. Do you have any scientific efforts in the Kingdom?
One project that has great attraction for me is to participate in stellar occultations on Earth to characterize centaurs, dwarf planets and trans-Neptunian objects. This technique seeks to reveal their physical structures and surrounding environments, contributing to our understanding of these celestial bodies.
Additionally, I aspire to engage in teaching astrophysics in Morocco. I firmly believe in the importance of transferring our knowledge and expertise to the younger generation. This goal is not only a noble goal in itself; It also plays a vital role in ensuring that science remains a unifying force, transcending borders and bringing people and nations together.
Finally, in your opinion, does Morocco have a bright future that will enable it to be involved in this field?
I am very optimistic about Morocco’s ability to emerge as a leading country in Astronomy. Moroccans, whether residing inside or outside the country, have shown remarkable intellectual prowess and a strong commitment to engaging in pioneering scientific findings.
In Morocco, institutions such as the Faculty of Sciences Semlalia in Marrakesh and the Oukaimeden Observatory have received international praise for their contributions to astronomical research. For example, the observation of the exoplanetary system “TRAPPIST-1”, carried out by several telescopes around the world, including the Oukaimeden Observatory, stands as evidence of Morocco’s important role in astronomical discovery. This remarkably pioneering achievement was notably published in the prestigious journal Nature many years ago; Which confirms Morocco’s increasing prominence in this field.
I would like to point out that the discovery of TRAPPIST-1 represents only one example of influential research conducted within Morocco. I am very proud of the achievements of my fellow Moroccan citizens who played an essential role in this pioneering discovery, and I am confident that Morocco will continue to make great strides in increasing our understanding of the universe.
Interviewed by: Hamza Faouzi
Translated to English by Wissal Mellal
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