After more than three and a half centuries, the title of Astronomer Royal has, for the first time, been awarded to a woman. Professor Michele Dougherty, a leading planetary scientist at Imperial College London, has officially taken on the honorary role, succeeding Lord Martin Rees, who held the post since 1995. The appointment, which was approved by King Charles III, was announced by the Cabinet Office at the end of July.
The title of Astronomer Royal dates back to 1675, originally created by King Charles II as part of a move to improve navigation at sea. It has since evolved into a ceremonial role, with the Astronomer Royal serving as an advisor to the Sovereign and a public advocate for astronomy. While the position no longer carries operational responsibility—those duties now fall under the Royal Observatory Greenwich and other institutions—it remains one of the most prestigious titles in British science.
A career marked by discovery and leadership
Professor Dougherty’s appointment has been widely celebrated not just for her achievements, but for what it represents. She is best known for her work on NASA’s Cassini mission, where her team discovered water vapour jets erupting from Saturn’s moon Enceladus, offering tantalising evidence of potential life-supporting conditions. She is also currently leading one of the key instruments on the European Space Agency’s JUICE mission to explore Jupiter’s icy moons. According to Imperial College, where she serves as a Professor of Space Physics, her research has played a key role in shaping our understanding of the outer solar system.
Reflecting on the appointment, Dougherty said she was still wrapping her head around the honour. “As a young girl, I never imagined I would be leading major space missions or taking on a role as historic as this,” she said. “It’s a privilege—and I hope to use the platform to share the wonder of astronomy with more people.” Her emphasis on public outreach is especially relevant given the UK’s ongoing need to promote science education and awareness, particularly among underrepresented groups.
A symbolic moment for British science
The reaction from the scientific community has been overwhelmingly positive. Lord Martin Rees, her predecessor and a long-standing advocate for science communication, welcomed the appointment, calling it a “brilliant choice.” And many have noted the symbolic importance of this moment, not just in breaking a 350-year gender barrier, but in recognising Dougherty’s decades of pioneering work. As The Guardian points out, her appointment sends a powerful message about inclusion and recognition in science.
Though the title of Astronomer Royal no longer comes with the responsibilities it once did, it remains a powerful symbol. In the past, the position has been held by some of the most influential figures in British science, including Sir John Flamsteed, Sir George Biddell Airy, and Sir Frank Dyson. Professor Dougherty now joins that list, and in doing so, she helps reframe who belongs on it.
For those who follow space science, Dougherty’s work is already widely known and respected. But for many others, her new role could help bring attention to the ongoing missions and discoveries that shape our understanding of the universe. In that sense, her impact may extend far beyond observatories and lecture halls.
As the UK continues to carve out its role in global space exploration, having a public-facing Astronomer Royal with such a strong track record and passion for outreach couldn’t come at a better time. And as Dougherty steps into the role, she brings with her not just scientific expertise, but a commitment to opening up the cosmos to everyone.