Trailblazing American Jewish astronomer Vera Rubin left an indelible mark on the world of astronomy. The namesake of Chile’s renowned Vera Rubin observatory, she revolutionized our understanding of how galaxies move and transformed the field with her groundbreaking discoveries.
Born in Philadelphia to a Jewish family, Rubin overcame obstacles and sexism in science to achieve greatness. Her father, who changed his name from Pesach Kobchefski to Pete Cooper, exemplified the fearless intellectual spirit that defined Rubin’s own career. Rubin’s mother, Rose Applebaum, was a talented singer who pursued her passion with determination.
Rubin pursued her own passions for music and astronomy, earning a Ph.D. in physics from Cornell University while working with prominent physicist Hans Bethe. Her research on galaxy movement sparked debate among male colleagues, including American astronomer Jesse Greenstein, who initially doubted her findings.
Despite such challenges, Rubin remained committed to her work and the pursuit of scientific knowledge. She saw science as a moral activity that required dedication and perseverance. Rubin’s legacy extends beyond her own research, inspiring generations of women and minorities to pursue careers in science.
The Vera Rubin observatory in Chile is a testament to Rubin’s enduring impact on astronomy. The observatory’s first test images have revealed thousands of previously unseen asteroids and provided unprecedented insights into the universe. As Rubin once said, “for some of us, attempting to understand this universe is important and a major part of our lives.”
Source: https://forward.com/culture/756775/vera-rubin-observatory-chile-jewish-history-of-astronomer