How far away are the stars we see at night, and how do astronomers know? 🌠 For over a century, astronomers have used “standard candles” like Cepheid stars and type Ia supernovae to gauge distances across the cosmos. These tools helped prove the universe is expanding, but now researchers are asking a big question: What if these candles aren’t so standard after all? 🕯️ Learn more in the May/June issue of #PhotonicsFocus: https://spie.org/news/photonics-focus/mayjune-2025/measuring-cosmic-distances?utm_campaign=facebook&utm_medium=social_networking&utm_source=customer_centric_multi_product (fb)

This #WiOWednesday, meet Emilie Viasnoff, Head of Optical Solutions, System Design Group, at Synopsys.💡 Growing up, she was fascinated with the world around her and was eager to explore subjects that would build on her understanding from an engineering and science perspective. "This fascination for science led me to pursue a career in physics. Since then, I have always been intrigued by how emerging technologies can enhance our lives, especially in the pervasive field of semiconductors." Early in her career, she thought success depended on excellent technical skills. However, she soon realized that skills like communication and networking are equally important. "Your career is a marathon, not a sprint, and you will keep learning new skills, hard and soft, throughout your journey." Read her profile in the 2025 #SPIE #WomenInOptics notebook: https://spie.org/community-support/community-engagement/women-in-optics/2025-wio-notebook/emilie-viasnoff?utm_campaign=facebook&utm_medium=social_networking&utm_source=customer_centric_multi_product (fb)