“Discrimination has no place in science or any other field. We must strive for inclusivity, equality, and the recognition of talent, regardless of gender, race, or background.”
“What have you learned since the last time we met?”
“I am not an astronomer, but the galaxy is always fascinating during my evening walks. It helps me put things into perspective and reference the universe or God. Is it a grandiose delusion? The jury is still out. Let’s get back to what I have been learning lately. As a preventative psychiatrist, learning about the galaxy is indeed an unexpected topic. How can your doctor know about phenomenology, specifically neologism, when most are glued to their screens and overwhelmed by paperwork? That was my narrative until recently.
“The greatest enemy of knowledge is not ignorance, it is the illusion of knowledge.” – Stephen Hawking
Thanks to Billy Bryson for helping me understand complicated topics and explaining them to my children without medical jargon.”
Vera Rubin (1928-2016) was an American astronomer known for her groundbreaking work on galaxy rotation curves and her contributions to the study of dark matter. In the 1970s, she conducted extensive observations of galaxy rotation rates, providing strong evidence for the existence of dark matter—a mysterious, invisible substance that outweighs visible matter in the universe. Her work challenged prevailing theories and significantly influenced our understanding of the structure and evolution of galaxies.
Yes, it is true that Vera Rubin faced gender discrimination during her career as an astronomer. In a male-dominated field, she encountered various challenges and barriers that were unfortunately common for women in science at that time. Despite her remarkable achievements, Rubin often had to navigate through a system that undervalued and overlooked the contributions of women in astronomy.
Rubin’s groundbreaking work on galaxy rotation curves and dark matter faced skepticism and resistance from some of her male colleagues. She had to persistently advocate for her research and fight for recognition. Despite the obstacles she faced, Rubin’s dedication and perseverance allowed her to make significant contributions to the field and pave the way for future generations of female astronomers.
I just learned a few minutes ago on social media about a proud mother whose daughter was going to Israel to study archaeology. I wish I could join the team to learn about archaeology. “If you don’t use it you lose it.”
Share with me what you have been learning lately?