Vera Rubin Who Confirmed “Dark Matter” Dies, Carnegie Institution
“Renowned astrophysicist and National Medal of Science awardee Vera Rubin passed away in Princeton, N.J., the evening of December 25, 2016, at the age of 88. Rubin confirmed the existence of dark matter — the invisible material that makes up more than 90% of the mass in the universe. She was a retired staff astronomer at the Carnegie Institution’s Department of Terrestrial Magnetism in Washington, D.C. “Vera Rubin was a national treasure as an accomplished astronomer and a wonderful role model for young scientists,” remarked Carnegie president Matthew Scott. “We are very saddened by this loss.”
Vera was gracious, unassuming, and always very helpful to anyone who had a question. She will be missed.
“My numbers mean more to me than my name”, said Dr. Rubin. But think about it: the discoverer of dark matter refused a Nobel?
Great reports by the Bad Astronomer; also over at Centauri Dreams.