She is the first woman in the role, which dates from 1675, beginning with the aim of determining longitude at sea. It was created by Charles II at the same time as he founded the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, above.
“I am absolutely delighted to be taking on the important role of Astronomer Royal,” said Professor Michele Dougherty. “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.”
What is the Astronomer Royal?
An honorary position, the role is for a prominent astronomer. They will advise the Monarch on astronomical matters.
Professor Dougherty will hold it alongside her current positions. These are Executive Chair of the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC). And President-elect of the Institute of Physics. She is also a Professor of Space Physics at Imperial College London.
Recognition
The Government Chief Scientific Adviser, Professor Dame Angela McLean, said:
“Warm congratulations to Professor Michele Dougherty on her appointment to the distinguished position of Astronomer Royal. This is a fitting recognition of her outstanding work and enduring commitment to the field of astronomy.”
Previously occupying the role was the cosmologist and astrophysicist Lord Rees (OM, FRS, HonFREng, FMedSci, FRAS, HonFInstP), right. He is now retiring.
Image: Cabinet Office
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