Women of Astronomy
We love the focus that Women’s History Month helps bring to female scientists worldwide. Of course, we love astronomy too! What a great mix.
As March draws to an end, we’re shining a well-deserved spotlight on just a few of our top female (Australian) astronomers. Women and girls contribute unique insights to the field of astronomy, enriching it with diverse perspectives. Let’s delve into our top 5.
Imagine being the first Indigenous woman in Australia to graduate with a double degree in maths and physics!
Karlie is a Gamilaroi woman with a decade of experience in science communication. She is a PhD candidate at ANU, researching the chemical and dynamic characteristics of cold clouds from the Milky Way’s nuclear wind.
The future of astronomy is bright with astrophysicist Karlie Noon is in our midst.
Read more about Karlie Noon here.
Professor Lisa Harvey-Smith is an esteemed project scientist for CSIRO’s ASKAP radio telescope and the SKA project.
As the published author of more than 50 peer-reviewed scientific papers on topics such as the birth and death of stars, cosmic magnetic fields and supermassive black holes, Lisa has also authored several award-winning science books.
To cap it all off, Lisa is the Australian Government’s Women in STEM Ambassador.
Read more about Professor Lisa Harvey-Smith here.
Kirsten Banks is an inspiration to young girls in science. Also known as ‘Astro Kirsten’, she is a Wiradjuri woman, an astrophysicist, and a science communicator helping people appreciate and better understand space and astronomy to enjoy the night sky we share.
Kirsten frequently appears on TV and radio, and she recently completed her PhD at UNSW with a thesis on the Spectroscopic Disambiguation of the Red Clump from the Red Giant Branch.
Read more about Kirsten Banks here.
Dr Sarah Pearce is a trailblazing astronomer and space technologist helping humanity understand the universe. A vital part of establishing the Australian Space Agency and CSIRO’s Space research program, Sarah is now the director of SKAO’s low-frequency telescope in Australia.
With a PhD in X-ray astronomy, Sarah has received many awards and is a passionate advocate for women, girls, and minorities in astronomy and STEM.
Read more about Dr Sarah Pearce here.
No list would be complete without the remarkable Ruby Payne- Scott. Ruby was a pioneer, and is considered the first female radio astronomer.
During her relatively short career, Ruby provided scientific leadership and made remarkable contributions to astronomy, including in solar astronomy, where she discovered three of the five categories of solar bursts.
Ruby also fought for equal rights for women in the workplace and challenged discriminatory policies.
Read more about Ruby Payne-Scott here.
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