CELEBRATING STRONG WOMEN : NATIONAL WOMAN ASTRONOMERS DAY

By Anshika Khera

Women have long contributed to astronomy , even when barred from formal scientific roles. Their never ending potential is what is celebrated on this day.

Women like Maria Mitchell , the first American woman to discover a comet . Andrea Ghez ,who was awarded the Nobel prize in 2020 for confirming the existence of black hole at the centre of our galaxy. Countless other women , from telescope operators to planetary scientists, lead discoveries at institutions like NASA , the European Space Agency and global observatories.

This day , more than a celebration , is a call to action . Despite progress , women , especially women of color, remain underrepresented in physics and astronomy. By highlighting their work, we not only honor their work but also encourage young girls to reach for the stars, knowing that there is a place for them in the cosmos. From charting the stars to unraveling the mysteries of black holes , women astronomers have left an indelible mark on science.

Promote the progress of women and encourage young girls to step out and work hard to live their dreams. The universe is vast and so is the potential of those who explore it. On National Woman Astronomers Day , we honor the women who have expanded the humanity’s view of cosmos and continue to light the way forward.