Born: 1925 (Nashville, Tennessee)
Died: 2018
Biography:
Nancy Grace Roman (pronounced Roman; May 16, 1925 – December 25, 2018) was an American astronomer who made significant contributions to stellar classification and motions. She is widely regarded as one of the key founders of the US civilian space program, serving as NASA’s first Chief of Astronomy during the 1960s and 1970s. Roman played a crucial role in establishing NASA’s space astronomy program and is often referred to as the Mother of Hubble due to her foundational work in planning the Hubble Space Telescope.
Nancy Roman was born in Nashville, Tennessee to parents Georgia Frances Smith Roman and Irwin Roman. Her father, a physicist and mathematician, worked as a geophysicist for an oil company, resulting in frequent moves for the family. They resided in Oklahoma, Texas, New Jersey, Michigan, and Nevada before settling in Baltimore, Maryland in 1935 when Irwin Roman joined the U.S. Geological Survey.
During her formative years, Roman developed a profound interest in science and astronomy. At the age of 11, she formed an astronomy club with her classmates, meeting weekly to study and learn about constellations from books. Despite facing discouragement from those around her, Roman remained steadfast in her passion for astronomy, knowing since seventh grade that she would dedicate her life to the field.
Roman attended Western High School in Baltimore and participated in an accelerated program, graduating in just three years. She then enrolled at Swarthmore College with the intention of studying astronomy, but faced initial discouragement from the dean of women. However, she was directed to the astronomy department, where she encountered Professor Peter van de Kamp.
Working with the two student telescopes available at Swarthmore, which were in a non-functional state, Roman gained hands-on experience with instruments and observing techniques. She also began processing astronomical photographic plates at the Sproul Observatory, inheriting Van de Kamp’s commitment to preserving historical data. This experience laid the foundation for her future work in the field.
After graduating from Swarthmore with a bachelor’s degree in astronomy, Roman pursued further education at the University of Chicago, where she earned a master’s degree in astronomy in 1949. During this time, she worked at the Yerkes Observatory, focusing on stellar spectra and helping to refine the system of stellar classification.
Following her studies at the University of Chicago, Roman embarked on a career at the United States Naval Research Laboratory (NRL), where she conducted research on stellar motions. Her work on the motion of stars in clusters significantly contributed to our understanding of galactic structure.
In 1959, Roman’s career took a significant turn when she joined the newly formed NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration). She became the organization’s first Chief of Astronomy, responsible for charting the course of space-based astronomical research. Roman played a pivotal role in developing NASA’s space astronomy program, which included planning and advocating for the Hubble Space Telescope.
As the Mother of Hubble, Roman’s contributions to planning the telescope were invaluable. She led the effort to define its scientific goals and advocated for its funding and construction. Her vision and perseverance ensured that the Hubble Space Telescope became a reality, revolutionizing our understanding of the universe and providing breathtaking images of distant galaxies and cosmic phenomena.
Throughout her career, Nancy Roman was an active public speaker and educator, committed to sharing her passion for astronomy with the general public and inspiring young students, particularly women, to pursue careers in the sciences. She dedicated herself to advocating for women in the sciences, striving to break down barriers and foster inclusivity in the field.
Nancy Roman’s groundbreaking work and dedication to advancing space astronomy were recognized with numerous accolades. In May 2020, the Wide Field Infrared Survey Telescope was officially named the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope by NASA in honor of her enduring contributions to the field of astronomy. Her legacy continues to inspire countless individuals and has left an indelible mark on the history of women in science and space exploration.
Awards:
– Helen B. Warner Prize for Astronomy (1963)
– NASA Exceptional Scientific Achievement Medal (1969)
– NASA Outstanding Scientific Leadership Medal (1972)
– American Astronomical Society’s George Van Biesbroeck Prize (1974)
– Women in Aerospace’s Aerospace Awareness Award (1980)
– American Astronomical Society’s Henry Norris Russell Lectureship (1994)
– National Women’s Hall of Fame induction (2003)
– NASA’s Distinguished Service Medal (2009)