Born: 1949 (Wallasey, Cheshire)
Died: 2020
Heather Anita Couper, CBE FInstP FRAS (2 June 1949 – 19 February 2020) was a British astronomer, broadcaster, and science popularizer. Known for her passion for astronomy and her ability to convey complex scientific concepts to the public, Couper became a prominent figure in the field and made significant contributions to popularizing astronomy in the United Kingdom.
Born on 2 June 1949 in Wallasey, Cheshire, Couper was the only child of George Couper, an airline pilot, and Anita Couper (née Taylor). Her fascination with the night sky began at a young age when she witnessed a bright green meteor while stargazing with her father. This experience ignited her curiosity, and she set out to become an astronomer.
Couper attended St Mary’s Grammar School (later merged with St. Nicholas Grammar School to become Haydon School) in Northwood Hills, Middlesex. At the age of 16, she wrote a letter to British television astronomer Patrick Moore, seeking advice on pursuing a career in astronomy. Moore’s encouraging response, assuring her that being a girl was no obstacle, solidified her determination to follow her passion.
After briefly working in the fashion industry, Couper joined the Cambridge Observatory as a research assistant in 1969. She became a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society in 1970 and graduated from the University of Leicester in 1973 with a BSc in Astronomy and Physics. During her time at Leicester, she formed a partnership with Nigel Henbest, a fellow astronomy student, and together they established Hencoup Enterprises, an organization dedicated to popularizing astronomy.
Couper furthered her research at the Department of Astrophysics at the University of Oxford, where she was a postgraduate student at Linacre College. In 1977, she joined the Caird Planetarium of the Old Royal Observatory at Greenwich as a Senior Lecturer. Her time at the planetarium allowed her to develop her skills as a science communicator, and she gained recognition for her ability to engage and educate audiences about astronomy.
In 1984, Couper made history by becoming the first woman to be elected President of the British Astronomical Association. She held this position until 1986 and continued to be actively involved in the association, working to promote astronomical research and education.
Throughout her career, Couper became a familiar face on television, hosting two series on Channel 4, The Planets and The Stars. She also made frequent guest appearances on various science and astronomy programs. Couper’s warmth, enthusiasm, and knack for making complex subjects accessible made her a beloved figure in British popular science broadcasting.
In addition to her television work, Couper excelled in radio broadcasting. She presented the award-winning program Britain’s Space Race and the 30-part series Cosmic Quest for BBC Radio 4. Her contributions to radio were equally impactful in reaching a wide audience and sparking an interest in astronomy.
Outside of her broadcasting career, Couper served as Astronomy Professor in perpetuity at Gresham College in London. She also played a role in the Millennium Commission, which led to her appointment as a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2007 for her services to science education.
Heather Couper’s impact on astronomy and science popularization cannot be overstated. She played a vital role in making astronomy accessible and engaging for the general public, inspiring countless individuals to develop an interest in the wonders of the universe. Her contributions to the field, coupled with her passion and dedication, solidified her place in history as a trailblazer for women in astronomy and a true champion of science education.
Awards:
– Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for services to science education (2007).