Women Behind Telescope: How Scientists At Vera Rubin Observatory Shape The Future Of Space Exploration & Inspire Girls In STEM

Vera Rubin Observatory, previously known as the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST), is an astronomical observatory under construction in Chile. It was not accidentally named after the pioneering American astronomer, as Vera Rubin’s research on galaxy rotation curves gave us important evidence of dark matter.

But beyond its impressive technology, the observatory is also a symbol for women in science, in particular in astronomy and engineering. At Orbital Today, we were honoured to speak to two prominent scientists whose work is shaping the modern understanding of space and bringing it closer to people through education: Sandrine Thomas and Ardis Herrold. In this article, we explore their groundbreaking work at the observatory, their journeys, and efforts to inspire the next generation of women in science.

A Short History Of Vera Rubin Observatory

The Vera Rubin Observatory was established with funding from the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Department of Energy (DOE) on Cerro Pachón in 2014 in Chile. Excitingly, the observatory will achieve “first light” this year, marking the first time its powerful 8.4-meter telescope captures images of the sky!

The large telescope mentioned above is unique in many ways. First, it includes three mirrors. Unlike traditional two-mirror telescopes, the Rubin Observatory’s three-mirror system provides a much wider field of view. When paired with the LSST Camera, the largest digital camera ever built, it is set to take detailed images of the southern sky. This camera features a 3.2-gigapixel sensor, capable of detecting objects 100 million times fainter than what the human eye can see!

Over the next ten years, the telescope is expected to capture images every three nights, creating the biggest time-lapse movie of the sky ever made! This will help scientists discover new objects like asteroids, comets, and supernovae, while also uncovering hidden mysteries of dark energy and dark matter.

Who Is Vera Rubin?

Vera Rubin was a pioneering American astronomer. In the 1970s, her research on galaxy rotation curves provided strong evidence for dark matter, challenging existing theories of gravity. Rubin discovered that stars at the edges of galaxies rotate at nearly the same speed as those near the center — something that shouldn’t happen based on visible matter alone. This led to one of the strongest pieces of evidence for the existence of dark matter.

Beyond her scientific contributions, Rubin was a passionate advocate for women in science, pushing for greater representation in astronomy and space research. In particular, she actively mentored young female scientists, encouraging them to pursue careers in physics and astronomy. Also, Rubin spoke out against gender discrimination in academia and research institutions.

Introducing The Scientists Of The Vera C. Rubin Observatory

Today, the observatory is home to remarkable women leading groundbreaking surveys. Their work not only advances our understanding of the universe but also carries forward Vera Rubin’s legacy of mentorship and inclusion.

Sandrine Thomas: Leading The Way In Telescope Development And Scientific Innovation Of Vera Rubin Observatory

Sandrine Thomas is a key figure in the development of the Vera C. Rubin Observatory. Her primary responsibility is to ensure that the telescope meets the specifications needed to enable the LSST science. For this, Sandrine leads a team of over 250 experts working on the design and technical implementation of this groundbreaking project.

Most Inspiring & Most Challenging Moments In Her Work

Actually, teamwork is the main source of inspiration for the scientist. When asked about the most exciting part of her work at the NSF–DOE Rubin Observatory, Sandrine Thomas recalls a defining moment during the first engineering night.

“Even though I had full confidence in the team, it was such an exciting moment to see such a sophisticated machine work out of the box,” she says. “I was really proud of the different teams because this was not a lucky event; it was the result of hard work and dedication from everyone involved.”

But her role is not without its challenges. One of the most difficult aspects of leading the Rubin Observatory project, according to the scientist, is ensuring collaboration.

“The most challenging part of leading the NSF–DOE Rubin Observatory project was reminding people to work together,” she reflects. “Building the Rubin Observatory is not a one-person project; it’s a 250+ people project, with a variety of expertise and knowledge needed to build such a complex system.” 

Leading a team of experts from all different fields, Sandrine Thomas needed to navigate complex issues and different viewpoints to keep everyone on the same page. “Technical issues happen, and as a leader, one has to find solutions to resolve these issues and avoid conflicts,” she adds.

Amazing Discoveries Are Ahead For Vera Rubin Observatory, Sandrine Thomas Says

But what makes the NSF–DOE Rubin Observatory stand out in the world of astronomy? Sandrine is clear about its strength: “The main strength of the Rubin Observatory is its ability to take deep images of the southern sky by observing each part of it every few nights over 10 years. This enables us to see very faint astronomical objects.” 

Additionally, thanks to the observatory’s extraordinary capability to detect faint light, astronomers will be able to see far-off objects and essentially look back in time. “This will give us insight into what the universe is made of,” she says. 

The observatory’s wide reach will catalog about 20 billion galaxies, giving scientists vital clues about the properties of dark matter. By understanding dark matter, we’ll unlock key knowledge about how the universe formed. But this is just the beginning. 

“The Rubin Observatory will also answer questions we haven’t even imagined yet,” Sandrine Thomas adds. “It is a powerful new scientific tool for exploring questions like: How did the Milky Way form? What will we learn from watching hundreds of millions of changes in the night sky over 10 years?”

Trusting Your Skills & Support Are The Keys For a Young Woman In Engineering

While making such monumental advancements in astronomy, the scientist also acknowledges the importance of inspiring others, especially women, to join the field. When asked what advice she would give to young women aspiring to follow in her footsteps, Sandrine shares: “I would advise young women interested in astronomy or engineering to trust their skills and surround themselves with people who lift them up and think positively. Don’t hesitate to ask for help when needed — no one should feel like they’re alone in this journey.” 

And above all, she emphasizes finding strength in one’s passion for space, astronomy, or engineering.

Ardis Herrold: Making Data Accessible To The Next Generation

Ardis Herrold’s role in the Vera Rubin Observatory is centered on education. She has pioneered efforts to make complex astronomical data accessible to students and teachers, ensuring that young people can engage with real-world science. Her vision is for students to gain not only knowledge but also curiosity, fostering an enduring sense of awe about the universe.

Encouraging Curiosity — The Main Thing In Astronomy Education

The scientist believes that by engaging young minds with real scientific data, we can not only teach them about space but also cultivate a lasting interest in science.

When asked how she envisions Rubin Observatory data transforming astronomy education, Ardis Herrold shares her approach.

“We’ve developed classroom investigations that make Rubin Observatory data easily accessible to students and educators,” she explains. “In the past, using authentic astronomical data in the classroom was difficult. It often required specialized software, navigating firewalls, and mastering complex analysis techniques. Our approach removes these barriers. With a cloud-based platform, students can access data directly through a webpage — no downloads necessary. Built-in tools make visualization and analysis simpler, and some data is pre-reduced to save time.”

Free Access To Data For Everybody

These investigations are designed for students at the introductory astronomy level and for educators who may not have an advanced science background. “We acknowledge classroom constraints, both in time and technology,” Ardis Herrold says. “By removing these obstacles, we make it easier for students to engage with real data and discover meaningful insights.”

The best part? All of this content is free, so anyone with an internet connection, anywhere in the world, can access and learn from it!

As the Rubin Citizen Science projects come online, they will be seamlessly integrated into these investigations, further enhancing the educational experience. “What happens when more students gain access to real astronomical data?” Ardis Herrold asks. “First, we’ll see greater engagement and a deeper understanding of fundamental physics and astronomy concepts. But more importantly, we’ll spark curiosity — each answer will lead to new questions.”

Reflecting on Vera Rubin’s legacy, the scientist adds, “The more we learn about the Universe, the more awe-inspiring it becomes.” She hopes that, alongside this awe, students will develop a deeper connection to the cosmos — and to each other.

Hands-On Approach To Education

When asked about her hands-on approach to education, Ardis recalls her experience building a radio telescope with her students.

“I was introduced to radio astronomy through teacher workshops at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) in Green Bank, WV,” she explains. “During my second workshop, we were encouraged to develop a classroom project. After taking my students on a field trip to NRAO and seeing their excitement, I decided we should try building our own radio telescope — especially since Green Bank was 500 miles away.” Her determination grew stronger when a colleague doubted their ability to pull it off, pushing Ardis and her students to prove their doubters wrong.

Real-World Issues

So, what began as a simple classroom project evolved into a 28-year engineering journey. With no formal background in electronics or mechanical engineering, Ardis and her students faced a steep learning curve. “Over the years, our Radio Astronomy Team (the RATs) designed and built three different radio telescopes,” she says.

This experience not only shaped Ardis’s teaching philosophy but also reinforced her belief in the capabilities of students. “I learned never to underestimate what students can achieve. Setting high expectations leads to extraordinary results,” she shares. “I also learned to embrace failure as part of the learning process and encouraged my students to do the same. Tackling real-world, open-ended problems fostered deep engagement and critical thinking, and I saw the immense power of teamwork.”

Girls & Women In Science: Career And Motherhood Can Be Compatible

Ardis’s work with her students highlights the importance of hands-on learning and real scientific inquiry. She believes that observatories like the Vera C. Rubin Observatory play a crucial role in inspiring young women to pursue STEM careers. “Changing the culture is key,” Ardis states, quoting Vera Rubin: “We all need permission to do science, but for reasons that are deeply ingrained in history, this permission is more often given to men than to women.”

Ardis Herrold also emphasizes that encouraging young women to pursue STEM careers must start early, ideally in middle school. They need role models like Rubin, who demonstrated that a successful career in science is compatible with personal aspirations, such as being a wife and mother.

Observatory’s Key Role In Diversity In STEM Careers

Ardis Herrold also shared that through initiatives like Rubin Voices and the Make Your Own Rubin Voices Trading Card activity, the Vera C. Rubin Observatory fosters inclusivity in the STEM field. “Observatories like Rubin play a crucial role in showcasing diverse STEM careers and the accomplishments of female scientists,” Ardis explains. “Rubin’s open Science Collaborations also provide networking opportunities and mentorship, supporting students and early-career scientists as they navigate their STEM journeys.”