Born: 1944
Biography:
Sandra Moore Faber is an American astrophysicist known for her research on the evolution of galaxies. She was born on December 28, 1944. Faber currently holds the position of University Professor of Astronomy and Astrophysics at the University of California, Santa Cruz, and works at the renowned Lick Observatory.
Early Life and Education:
Faber’s passion for the stars ignited during her undergraduate years at Swarthmore College. There, she majored in Physics and minored in Mathematics and Astronomy. In 1966, Faber earned her bachelor’s degree and proceeded to pursue a PhD in Optical Observational Astronomy at Harvard University, where she studied under the guidance of I. John Danziger. While conducting her doctoral research, Faber encountered challenges due to the limited technology available at the time. The only observatory accessible to her was the Kitt Peak National Observatory, which did not possess the necessary tools for the complexity of her thesis.
Personal Life:
In 1967, Faber married Andrew Leigh Faber, a fellow Swarthmore physics major. They embarked on a journey together, establishing a partnership that would support and inspire each other’s scientific pursuits. The couple shares two daughters, Robin and Holly.
Career and Research:
Faber’s career took a monumental turn in 1972 when she joined the faculty at the Lick Observatory at the University of California, Santa Cruz. Her appointment marked a significant milestone, making her the first woman to achieve this esteemed position. Faber’s groundbreaking observations revolutionized our understanding of galaxies and their dynamics.
In 1976, Faber made a key discovery regarding the relationship between the brightness and spectra of galaxies and the orbital speeds and motions of the stars within them. This breakthrough led to the establishment of the Faber–Jackson relation, a law that would bear her name alongside her co-author, graduate student Robert Jackson.
Continuing her impactful contributions, Faber and collaborator John S. Gallagher published a seminal paper in 1979, consolidating all the existing evidence for the existence of dark matter. Their work fueled ongoing investigations into the nature and composition of this mysterious cosmic entity. In 1983, Faber pioneered original research, demonstrating that dark matter was unlikely to be hot and fast-moving neutrinos but rather composed of slow-moving particles yet to be discovered, referred to as cold dark matter.
Around 1984, Faber collaborated with Joel Primack, George Blumenthal, and Martin Rees to propose a comprehensive theory outlining the role of dark matter in galaxy formation and evolution. This marked a significant milestone in our understanding of how galaxies have evolved from the Big Bang until the present day. While some details of their theory have since been revised, their work still serves as the foundation for our current understanding of galactic structure.
In addition to her research accomplishments, Faber played a vital role in the design and construction of the revolutionary Keck Telescope. Alongside UC Berkeley physicist Jerry Nelson, Faber contributed to the implementation and promotion of large optical telescopes worldwide. The Keck Telescope, with its impressive 10-meter primary mirror, has become the second-largest optical telescope globally and continues to push the boundaries of astronomical exploration.
Awards:
– 2009: National Medal of Science
– 2012: Crafoord Prize
– 2012: Heineman Prize for Astrophysics
– 2013: Shaw Prize in Astronomy
– 2017: IDEAS Foundation for Women for Women’s Lifetime Achievement Award
– 2019: Gruber Foundation Cosmology Prize
Sandra Faber’s relentless pursuit of knowledge and her significant contributions to the field of astrophysics have solidified her place as a trailblazing figure in scientific history. Her research on galaxy evolution, dark matter, and her instrumental role in advancing observational capabilities have shaped our understanding of the universe. Faber’s journey serves as a compelling testament to the power of curiosity, determination, and the unwavering pursuit of scientific excellence. Through her groundbreaking work, she has both inspired future generations of scientists and significantly impacted our collective understanding of the cosmos.