Born: 1942 (Israel)
Biography:
Neta Bahcall is an Israeli astrophysicist and cosmologist who has made significant contributions to our understanding of dark matter, the structure of the universe, quasars, and the formation of galaxies. She was born in 1942 and grew up in Israel. As a child, she initially aspired to become a doctor but realized that as the child of non-doctors, she would not have the opportunity to pursue a medical career.
Bahcall earned a Bachelor of Science degree in physics and mathematics from Hebrew University in Israel in 1963. She then went on to complete a Master’s degree in physics at the Weizmann Institute of Science in 1965. In 1970, she received her Ph.D. in astrophysics from the University of Tel Aviv.
Bahcall’s career in astrophysics began in 1970 when she joined Princeton University as a research fellow. Over the years, she has held various positions at the university and is currently the Eugene Higgins Professor of Astronomy. From 1983 to 1989, she served as the chief of the General Observer Support Branch and the head of the Science Program Selection Office at the Space Telescope Science Institute. During this time, she played a crucial role in selecting the science programs that would have access to the Hubble Space Telescope.
One of Bahcall’s most notable accomplishments is her work with the Hubble Space Telescope in mapping the location and structure of galaxies. She has also made significant contributions to calculating the mass of the universe, a groundbreaking achievement in the field of astrophysics.
Bahcall’s expertise and reputation have led to numerous accolades and recognition throughout her career. In 1997, she was elected as a member of the National Academy of Sciences, a prestigious honor in the scientific community. She has also been a lecturer for esteemed organizations such as the Nobel Symposium in Stockholm in 1998. Additionally, she has been an active member of the American Astronomical Society, serving as its vice president from 1995 to 1998. Throughout her career, Bahcall has held various leadership roles and served on numerous committees, demonstrating her dedication to advancing the field of astrophysics.
Apart from her professional achievements, Neta Bahcall had a personal and professional partnership with her late husband, John Bahcall, who was also an astrophysicist and professor at Princeton University. The couple collaborated on over 20 refereed papers together. They had three children, all of whom have earned doctorates in the sciences, highlighting the Bahcall family’s commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and discovery.
Awards:
– Member of the National Academy of Sciences (1997)
– Honorary Doctorate from Ohio State University (2006)