Research-student observations
Bell joined Hewish’s project in 1965 and helped build a large antenna array for scintillation surveys. After observations began in 1967, she analysed extensive chart recordings and noticed an unusual recurring signal from a particular position.
Identifying regular pulses
Further observations at higher time resolution established the signal’s regular pulsed character, opening a new field of pulsar research. The related 1974 Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded to Ryle and Hewish; Bell was not a recipient.
Astronomy and teaching across wavebands
Bell Burnell later used ground-based instruments and equipment carried by balloons, rockets and satellites. Her work included the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope. She held posts at the Open University and Bath, moving from Bath to Oxford in 2004.
References: [1]