The women who revolutionised astronomy

Throughout history, women in astronomy have challenged societal norms and institutional barriers, transforming our understanding of the universe. From the ancient wisdom of Hypatia to modern breakthroughs by leaders like Sarah Al Amiri, their contributions shine a light on the vast potential unlocked when diversity thrives in science. Yet, their paths were often fraught with obstacles, making their achievements all the more remarkable.

On International Women’s Day, their stories remind us that the next generation of astronomers – girls inspired today –can reach for the stars.

Read also: The women scientists forgotten by history

Hypatia of Alexandria (4th Century): The mother of celestial navigation

Hypatia of Alexandria was one of the earliest recorded female astronomers. As a mathematician, philosopher and astronomer in a male-dominated ancient world, she taught and developed theories in Alexandria, one of the most important hubs of knowledge of the time. Her work on the astrolabe (a tool used for mapping stars) was revolutionary for celestial navigation. Tragically, Hypatia faced persecution due to political and religious upheaval, ultimately being murdered by a mob. Despite this, her legacy endures as a symbol of knowledge and resilience, inspiring entire generations of thinkers.

Caroline Herschel (1750–1848): Discoverer of comets

Caroline Herschel earned the informal title 'discoverer of comets' through her identification of eight comets and numerous deep-sky objects during her remarkable career. Working closely with her brother, the famous astronomer William Herschel, she made groundbreaking contributions to astronomy. Initially relegated to an assistant role, Caroline's independent discoveries eventually earned her recognition as the first woman to receive a salary for scientific work. In 1828, she became the first woman to receive the Gold Medal of the Royal Astronomical Society, cementing her legacy as a pioneer in observational astronomy.

Caroline Herschel, ca. 1829. Oil painting by Melchior Gommar Tieleman / © Public domain

Annie Jump Cannon (1863–1941) & Henrietta Swan Leavitt (1868–1921): Pioneers of modern astrophysics

Cannon and Leavitt were integral members of the Harvard College Observatory's team of "computers", a group of women employed to analyse astronomical data, though their contributions were often undervalued at the time. However, Cannon revolutionized stellar classification by creating the Harvard Classification Scheme, a system still used to categorize stars today. Leavitt, on the other hand, made a transformative discovery by identifying the relationship between the brightness and period of Cepheid variable stars: a breakthrough that became the 'cosmic yardstick' for measuring astronomical distances and laid the foundation for understanding the scale of the universe. Despite facing discrimination, their work laid the groundwork for modern astrophysics.

Chien-Shiung Wu (1912–1997): The physicist who revolutionised beta decay

Though primarily a physicist, Chien-Shiung Wu (1912-1997)'s groundbreaking work on beta decay profoundly influenced astrophysics, particularly in understanding stellar processes. Her "Wu Experiment" disproved the long-held conservation of parity principle, revolutionizing physics. Despite systemic gender discrimination, Wu's foundational contributions have inspired generations of women in science worldwide.

Vera Rubin (1928–2016): Illuminating dark matter

Vera Rubin's pioneering research provided the first clear evidence of dark matter by studying galactic rotation curves. Despite scepticism and gender bias, she became one of the first women allowed to use the Palomar Observatory, previously barred to female astronomers.

This image obtained Decemer 27, 2016 courtesy of Courtesy of the Carnegie Institution of Washington in Washington, DC shows astrophysicist Vera Rubin measuring a galaxy optical spectra using two dimensional measuring engine and was taken in the early 1970s. / © Photo by HO / CARNEGIE INSTITUTION OF WASHINGTON / AFP

Rubin's work revolutionised our understanding of the universe's composition, highlighting the unseen forces shaping galaxies. Her advocacy for women in science continues to inspire equity and representation in STEM fields.

Nancy Grace Roman (1925–2018): The woman behind space telescopes

Often called the 'Mother of Hubble', Nancy Grace Roman was instrumental in the planning and development of the Hubble Space Telescope. She broke barriers at NASA, becoming its first Chief of Astronomy and advocating for women in science at a time when leadership roles for women were rare. Roman's visionary work reshaped how humanity observes the universe, laying the foundation for space-based telescopes. In recognition of her contributions, NASA named the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, scheduled to launch in the mid-2020s, after her: a testament to her enduring legacy.

This NASA illustration released on May 20, 2020 shows NASA’s Wide Field Infrared Survey Telescope (WFIRST, now named the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, after NASA’s first Chief of Astronomy. NASA is naming its next-generation space telescope currently under development, the Wide Field Infrared Survey Telescope (WFIRST), in honor of Nancy Grace Roman, NASA’s first chief astronomer, who paved the way for space telescopes focused on the broader universe. / © AFP PHOTO /NASA/HANDOUT

Jocelyn Bell Burnell (b. 1943): Unveiling the first pulsar

As a graduate student, Jocelyn Bell Burnell (b. 1943) made the groundbreaking discovery of the first pulsar, a rapidly rotating neutron star emitting beams of radiation. Despite her pivotal role, it was her male advisor who received the Nobel Prize for the achievement, highlighting the gender biases of the time. Bell Burnell has since become a powerful advocate for underrepresented groups in science. She donated her $3 million Breakthrough Prize to fund diversity initiatives in STEM, cementing her legacy as both a scientist and a champion for equity.

Sarah Al Amiri (b. 1987): Leader of the UAE's historic Mars mission

As Chair of the UAE Space Agency, Sarah Al Amiri led the Emirates Mars Mission, which successfully launched the "Hope Probe" in 2020. This mission made the UAE the first Arab nation to reach Mars, contributing valuable data about the Martian atmosphere. Beyond her leadership in space exploration, Al Amiri is a vocal advocate for STEM education, inspiring young women in the Middle East and beyond to pursue scientific careers.

Katie Bouman (b. 1989): The scientist who revealed the first black hole

Katie Bouman led the development of the algorithm that processed the first-ever image of a black hole in 2019 as part of the Event Horizon Telescope project. Her work captured global attention, showcasing the power of collaboration in science. Bouman's emphasis on teamwork and her groundbreaking achievement have made her a role model for aspiring women in computational astrophysics.

The Event Horizon Telescope project provided the first ever image of a black hole and its fiery halo. / © EUROPEAN SOUTHERN OBSERVATORY/AFP

Breaking barriers: Advancing gender equity in astronomy

The struggle for recognition in astronomy isn't confined to history. Even today, women in science face challenges, including pay gaps, underrepresentation in leadership roles, and gender biases. However, progress is being made. Institutions are increasingly recognizing the importance of diversity in science through initiatives aimed at creating equitable opportunities for women and marginalized groups.

The International Astronomical Union (IAU) now prioritizes diversity, and programs like Women@NASA showcase female scientists' achievements, encouraging more women to pursue careers in astronomy. Such efforts represent a collective commitment to addressing systemic inequities.

Contemporary women like Katie Bouman and Sarah Al Amiri are redefining the possibilities for women in astronomy and space exploration. Their achievements symbolize how far we've come, but their stories also highlight the importance of mentorship and systemic support in helping the next generation succeed.

Educational outreach programs and initiatives like Ada Lovelace Day celebrate the contributions of women to STEM fields, providing role models for aspiring scientists. Mentorship programs connecting young women with professionals in astronomy bridge the gap between interest and opportunity, fostering confidence and ambition.

Institutional changes, combined with the celebration of women's achievements, ensure that future generations of women in astronomy can thrive, free from the barriers faced by their predecessors. By highlighting these stories, we honour the past and build a more inclusive future where gender is no longer a barrier to scientific excellence.

Adriano Anfuso is a photographer and digital creator who is passionate about capturing the awe-inspiring beauty of the cosmos and Earth's wonders. You can check out his work here.