From backyard telescopes to exploring Jupiter’s moons, Prof Michele Dougherty’s journey is as inspiring as the stars themselves. Her latest achievement marks a historic first in a 350-year-old tradition.
Prof Michele Dougherty didn’t follow the typical path into science. In fact, she didn’t even study it in secondary school. But a childhood experience with her father's homemade telescope sparked a curiosity that would eventually take her to the outer reaches of the solar system—and into the history books.
On Wednesday, Dougherty became the first woman appointed as the UK's Astronomer Royal—a role that dates back more than 350 years. She now serves as the official astronomical adviser to King Charles III, and she hopes her appointment will inspire more girls and women to pursue careers in science.
“I want to engage with the public, excite them about what we do in astronomy, and make it clear how important it is to the UK economy,” she said.
Prof Dougherty is currently involved in one of the most ambitious missions in space science: helping send a European Space Agency probe to Jupiter’s icy moons, investigating whether they might support life.
“It would be surprising if there wasn’t life in our solar system,” she added with a laugh, a hallmark of her infectious enthusiasm.
A Childhood Dream Sparked by Jupiter
Dougherty's love for space began at age 10 when she and her sister built a telescope with their father. Seeing Jupiter and its four largest moons through that homemade device changed everything.
“That was my first view of Jupiter. Never did I imagine I’d be sending instruments there on a spacecraft,” she said. “Now I’m Astronomer Royal—I’m still pinching myself.”
Her path wasn’t easy. Growing up in South Africa, Dougherty chose a school that didn’t offer science simply because her friends were going there. But her exceptional math skills earned her a spot in a university science program.
“The first couple of years were hard—it was like learning a new language,” she admitted. But she caught up quickly and eventually moved to the UK, becoming one of the nation's leading space scientists.
“I said yes to things I didn’t know how to do—and I learned as I went.”
Breaking a 350-Year-Old Barrier
The title of Astronomer Royal originated in 1675, with the establishment of the Royal Observatory in Greenwich. The first to hold the title was John Flamsteed, who advised the king on using stars for sea navigation.
Over time, the role evolved. According to Dr Louise Devoy, senior curator of the Royal Observatory, by the 1800s the Astronomer Royal began advising on topics like railways, bridges, and telegraphy. Today, the role is also about international collaboration and scientific leadership.
Until now, all 15 previous Astronomers Royal have been white men. In 2021, Prof Catherine Heymans became the Astronomer Royal for Scotland—the first woman in that position. Now, with Prof Dougherty’s appointment, both of the UK’s top astronomical advisors are women.
“Science is becoming more diverse, and it needs to be,” said Heymans. “I’m absolutely delighted.”
A Role Model for the Next Generation
Though Prof Dougherty doesn’t dwell on being the first woman in the role, she recognizes the power of representation.
“When children see someone who looks like them doing something they thought they could never do, it changes their mindset,” she told the BBC.
As head of physics at Imperial College London (2018–2024), she saw the percentage of first-year female physics students rise from 19% to 25%.
“Not a huge change, but a positive one. And I think it’s because they saw someone in a role they might aspire to.”
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