Vera Rubin (1928–2016) was a pioneering astronomer whose work fundamentally changed our understanding of the universe. Her most significant contribution was confirming the existence of dark matter. Rubin’s most groundbreaking research focused on the rotational curves of galaxies. In the 1970s, working with astronomer Kent Ford, she studied the speeds at which stars orbited around the centres of galaxies. According to classical Newtonian physics, the outer stars of a galaxy should move slower than the inner stars, much like planets in the solar system orbiting the Sun. However, Rubin found something astonishing—stars at the edges of galaxies were moving just as fast as those near the centres.
This unexpected observation suggested that an enormous amount of unseen mass was present in the galaxies, exerting gravitational pull and influencing the movement of stars. The best explanation for this was the existence of dark matter, an invisible substance that neither emits nor absorbs light but exerts gravitational force. This discovery remains one of the greatest mysteries in astrophysics and has influenced countless studies in cosmology and physics.
Beyond dark matter, Rubin also contributed to understanding galaxy formation, motion, and large-scale structures in the universe. She helped establish that galaxies are not randomly distributed but exist in clusters and superclusters, shaping our cosmic landscape. Rubin was also an advocate for women in science, breaking barriers in a male-dominated field and encouraging young women to pursue careers in astronomy.
Rubin was Jewish and held a deep appreciation for both science and religion. She saw no contradiction between the two, believing that the pursuit of knowledge about the universe was a way of uncovering deeper truths about existence. While she did not frequently discuss her personal religious beliefs in public, she made statements indicating that she saw science as complementary to faith rather than opposed to it. One of her most well-known quotes highlights her view on the connection between science and spirituality: “In my own life, my science and my religion are separate. Many people find a spiritual significance in science.”
She also emphasized the importance of ethics and values in both science and society, once saying: “We need senators who have studied physics and representatives who understand ecology.” Rubin was passionate about justice and equality, both in science and beyond. She often spoke about ethical responsibilities, particularly in how science should be used to improve the world. She believed that pursuing knowledge about the universe should be accompanied by a commitment to doing good: “We have to learn everything we can, but at the end of the day, we have to be kind.”
Her perspective reflected the belief that scientific discovery and human morality should go hand in hand, and she often encouraged young scientists to approach their work with both intellectual curiosity and ethical integrity. She demonstrated that scientific discovery and religious belief can coexist, united by a shared sense of wonder about the universe. Her insights into dark matter changed our understanding of the cosmos, while her ethical and philosophical reflections remind us that science should always be guided by wisdom and compassion.
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