Today, August 1st, marks Women Astronomers Day. Throughout history women astronomers have played a vital role in the development of astronomy and have made important astronomical discoveries.
Published by the editorial team, 1 August 2024
In 2020, we posted an article about some of these woman astronomers and those are but a few. Earlier this year, the Dutch broadcaster NTR published a podcast series Alles voor de wetenschap about ‘forgotten’ woman scientists. The first episode focuses on Elsa van Dien who also made significant scientific contributions to astronomy.
Last year, ASTRON launched the Bell Burnell Fellowship, named in honour, and with support of, Dame Susan Jocelyn Bell Burnell. The Bell Burnell Postdoctoral Fellowship is designed to help scientists build upon emerging strong careers as independent researchers. It will open up again this September.
Society still has a long way to go, and ASTRON is trying its best to be a place where woman astronomers have an equal place with equal opportunities. Something we will keep fighting for.