As the annual solstice descends into darkness, I take a moment to reflect on my journey through the vast expanse of the cosmos — a journey that has granted me a unique perspective over the last quarter-century. During this time, I have served as the “cosmic affairs correspondent” for The New York Times, donning the privilege of the coolest title in journalism. Each experience, whether deep within the Large Hadron Collider in Geneva or atop the stormy peaks of the Sierra Madre, has brought me closer to understanding the complexities of the universe.
In my various adventures, I encountered the rhythmic dance of the cosmos, with galaxies swirling into the abyss while I pondered the age-old question: what does it all mean? This role offered me mesmerizing glimpses into the mysteries of existence, from the theoretical shores of quantum mechanics to the physical manifestations of the night sky.
My career has intertwined personal narratives with grand cosmic realities. I witnessed the historic discovery of the Higgs boson, a particle that serves as a cornerstone of modern physics, celebrated by researchers after decades of exploration and investment. Yet, discoveries like this constantly remind me that the known universe is but a sliver of greater enigmas that pervade our existence—mainly the nearly invisible relics of dark matter and dark energy that account for the vast majority of everything we can't see.
In 2015, I stood skeptical of early reports from the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory. My doubts aligned with my perception of ambition versus reality, yet in the wake of future confirmations, I re-conceptualized my understanding of the universe. The vibrations of colliding black holes whispered through the cosmos, revealing truths about time and space that felt beyond the realm of human comprehension.
As I step back from my official role, I will still wander these cosmic corridors, reflecting and sharing my insights with readers. While I exchange my esteemed title for a quieter existence, my mission to marry the personal with the cosmic through writing remains steadfast. Cosmic mysteries abound, waiting for those of us willing to dig deeper and contemplate our connections to the universe—a quest that is truly only beginning.
