UK professor becomes first female Astronomer Royal in 350 years

A scientist who pioneered research which revealed the possibility of extra-terrestrial life on one of Saturn’s moons has been made the first female Astronomer Royal.

Professor Michele Dougherty, a leading space physicist who has worked on space missions to Saturn and Jupiter, has been awarded the 350-year-old title.

The honorary Astronomy Royal role is awarded to a prominent astronomer who is expected to advise the monarch on astronomical matters.

As an investigator on two major space missions, Prof Dougherty has played a role in making groundbreaking discoveries in the solar system. Her research for Nasa helped to uncover jets of water vapour shooting out of one of Saturn’s moons, Enceladus, revealing that it may be able to support life.

Prof Dougherty was also the lead investigator for the European Space Agency's JUICE spacecraft, scheduled to orbit around Jupiter’s largest moon, Ganymede, in 2032.

In 2008, she picked up the Royal Society's Hughes Medal, making her the second woman in almost a century to have been awarded with the prestigous science prize for outstanding research.

Remarkably, the physicist didn't study science at secondary school while growing up in South Africa. She picked up the topic slightly later, after completing a science degree at university.

“I am absolutely delighted to be taking on the important role of Astronomer Royal,” Prof Dougherty said.

“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."

“In this role I look forward to engaging the general public in how exciting astronomy is, and how important it and its outcomes are to our everyday life," she commented.

The title of Astronomer Royal was created in 1675 by King Charles II, alongside the opening of the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, London.

For almost 200 years, the role was given to an astronomer who directed both the scientific programme and day-to-day running of the Royal Observatory.

Numerous leading figures in British science, including John Flamsteed and Edmond Halley, held the post.

In 1972 the title became largely honorary and was no longer associated with the Royal Observatory itself.

Prof Dougherty will hold the role alongside her current positions as executive chair of the Science and Technology Facilities Council, president-elect of the Institute of Physics and a professor of space physics at Imperial College London.

She takes over from Lord Martin Rees, who is retiring from the role.

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