A groundbreaking planetary scientist whose work has hinted at the possibility of life beyond Earth has been appointed as the first female Astronomer Royal in the United Kingdom. Professor Michele Dougherty, a prominent space physicist known for her contributions to NASA’s Cassini mission, has been awarded this prestigious 350-year-old honorary title.
Dougherty’s role as an investigator on major space missions has led to significant discoveries in our solar system. Notably, she played a crucial part in revealing that jets of water vapor erupt from Enceladus, one of Saturn’s moons, suggesting it could potentially support life. Expressing her excitement, Dougherty remarked, “As a young child I never thought I’d end up working on planetary spacecraft missions and science, so I can’t quite believe I’m actually taking on this position.”
The Historical Significance of the Astronomer Royal Title
The title of Astronomer Royal was established in 1675 with the primary goal of advancing navigation by determining longitude at sea. Dougherty succeeds Martin Rees, who is retiring from the position. Her appointment marks a significant milestone in the history of this role, reflecting both her scientific achievements and the evolving landscape of gender equality in the sciences.
In an interview with BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Dougherty emphasized the importance of her selection based on merit rather than gender. She stated, “Particularly for young girls, seeing someone who looks like them in a role like this will potentially allow them to dream that they might be able to do something like this in the future.”
Contributions to Space Exploration
Dougherty’s expertise in space physics is highlighted by her work on instruments designed to measure magnetic fields on NASA and European Space Agency (ESA) probes. Her keen observations during the Cassini mission led to groundbreaking insights about Enceladus. She recalled noticing a “tiny anomaly” in the spacecraft’s magnetic field measurements, which suggested an unexpected atmosphere. Her persistence convinced NASA to investigate further, ultimately revealing the presence of water vapor plumes.
“I didn’t sleep for the first couple of nights beforehand. Imagine if we hadn’t seen anything. No one would have believed anything I said ever again. But we saw that, instead of an atmosphere, it was a water vapor plume coming out of the south pole.”
Enceladus is now considered one of the most promising locations in the search for extraterrestrial life. Dougherty continues to push the boundaries of space exploration with her involvement in the ESA’s Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (JUICE) mission, which aims to explore Ganymede, the largest moon in the solar system.
Looking Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
Beyond her new role, Dougherty serves as the executive chair of the Science and Technology Facilities Council, president-elect of the Institute of Physics, and a professor at Imperial College London. Despite her numerous responsibilities, she voices concern over the future of science funding, emphasizing the need for transparency in research to ensure the health and wellbeing of the UK economy.
Her primary goal as Astronomer Royal is to engage the public with the excitement of astronomy and its relevance to everyday life. “I want to enthuse and excite people,” she said, underscoring her commitment to public outreach and education in science.
Reflecting on her journey, Dougherty shared a personal anecdote from her childhood in South Africa, where her father built a telescope. “My first view of Jupiter and its four large moons and Saturn and its rings was through my dad’s telescope,” she recounted, illustrating the early spark that ignited her passion for astronomy.
Recognition and Support from the Scientific Community
Professor Dame Angela McLean, the UK government’s chief scientific adviser, extended her congratulations to Dougherty, stating, “Warm congratulations to Professor Michele Dougherty on her appointment to the distinguished position of Astronomer Royal. This is a fitting recognition of her outstanding work and enduring commitment to the field of astronomy.”
Dougherty’s appointment as the first female Astronomer Royal not only honors her scientific contributions but also serves as an inspiration for future generations of scientists. Her work continues to pave the way for new discoveries and highlights the critical role of women in advancing our understanding of the universe.
