Born: July 23, 1928 (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
Biography:
Vera Florence Cooper Rubin was a renowned American astronomer who made significant contributions to the field of astrophysics. Born on July 23, 1928, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Rubin grew up with a fascination for the stars, observing them through a homemade telescope with her father. This early interest laid the foundations for her illustrious career and eventual groundbreaking discoveries in the field.
Vera Rubin’s parents, Pesach Kobchefski and Rose Applebaum, were Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe. Her father, an electrical engineer, worked at Bell Telephone, where her mother also worked before their marriage. In 1938, the Cooper family relocated to Washington, D.C., where a young Vera developed a deep passion for astronomy. Even at a young age, she was more captivated by the questions posed by the universe than by the answers, setting the stage for her future achievements.
Rubin attended Coolidge Senior High School and graduated in 1944. Despite a high school teacher suggesting she avoid a scientific career and pursue art instead, Vera was inspired by the legacy of Maria Mitchell, a renowned professor at Vassar College who had made significant contributions to astronomy as a woman. Consequently, Rubin enrolled at Vassar College to pursue her undergraduate studies in astronomy. In 1948, she graduated Phi Beta Kappa with a bachelor’s degree in astronomy, becoming the first female astronomy graduate in the college’s history.
Following her undergraduate studies, Rubin embarked on a remarkable academic journey, earning her master’s degree from Cornell University and later pursuing her Ph.D. at Georgetown University. Her time at Georgetown served as a turning point in her career when she observed deviations from Hubble flow in galaxies. These observations led her to propose the existence of galactic superclusters, a groundbreaking theory that expanded our understanding of the structures within the universe.
However, Rubin’s most significant discovery came when she studied galactic rotation curves and uncovered a substantial discrepancy between predicted and observed angular motion of galaxies. Her work provided compelling evidence for the existence of dark matter, a breakthrough that revolutionized our understanding of the cosmos. These groundbreaking results, later confirmed by numerous studies, solidified her reputation as a pioneer in the field.
Throughout her career, Rubin received numerous accolades and honors for her groundbreaking contributions to astronomy. She was the recipient of prestigious awards such as the Bruce Medal, the Gold Medal of the Royal Astronomical Society, and the National Medal of Science. These recognitions reflected the immense impact of her work and affirmed her status as a trailblazer in her field.
Beyond her remarkable scientific achievements, Vera Rubin dedicated her life to advocating for women in science. She mentored aspiring female astronomers and played a pivotal role in paving the way for future women astronomers. Her influence and dedication led to the establishment of the National Science Foundation Vera C. Rubin Observatory, popularly known as the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope, in 2015. This observatory, still under construction, stands as a testament to her lasting legacy.
Vera Rubin’s pioneering work challenged established cosmological theories and ushered in a Copernican-scale change in our understanding of the universe. Her insatiable curiosity, resilience, and perseverance in a field dominated by men continue to inspire generations of aspiring women scientists. Vera Rubin’s contributions to astronomy and her enduring impact on the scientific community make her an indispensable figure in the history of women’s achievements in science.
Awards:
– Bruce Medal
– Gold Medal of the Royal Astronomical Society
– National Medal of Science