A Star Among Stars: Michele Dougherty Named First Female Astronomer Royal in UK

In a historic move, Professor Michele Dougherty, a world-renowned planetary scientist, has been appointed the first female Astronomer Royal in the UK—an honorary title with a rich legacy stretching back 350 years.

Best known for her groundbreaking work on NASA’s Cassini mission to Saturn, Dougherty played a key role in discovering water vapour plumes erupting from Enceladus, one of Saturn’s moons. This revelation raised the exciting possibility that life could exist beyond Earth.

Reflecting on her journey, Dougherty expressed disbelief and joy. “As a young child, I never thought I’d end up working on planetary spacecraft missions and science,” she said. “I’m absolutely delighted to take on this position.”

The role of Astronomer Royal was originally created in 1675 to help solve the challenge of navigating by sea. Today, it’s a platform for promoting public understanding and enthusiasm for astronomy. Dougherty says she hopes to use the position to engage people—especially young minds—with the wonders of space science.

Her message is particularly resonant for young girls interested in science. “If seeing someone like me in this role helps even a few young people dream big, I’ll feel I’ve made a difference,” she said in a BBC interview.

Dougherty currently serves as a professor of space physics at Imperial College London, executive chair of the Science and Technology Facilities Council, and president-elect of the Institute of Physics. Despite her many roles, she remains passionate about bringing science closer to everyday life.

Born in South Africa with English and Irish roots, Dougherty was introduced to the stars by her father, who built a homemade telescope. Her first views of Jupiter’s moons and Saturn’s rings sparked a lifelong fascination.

Dougherty’s talent for spotting what others miss has led to some of the most exciting discoveries in space exploration. In 2005, she noticed a small magnetic anomaly near Enceladus and persuaded NASA to send Cassini back for a closer look. The result? Evidence of a hidden ocean—making Enceladus one of the top places to search for alien life.

She’s also behind key instruments on ESA’s JUICE mission, currently on its way to study Jupiter’s icy moons. The mission is set to arrive in 2031 and could open up new chapters in the search for habitable environments in our solar system.

As she steps into her new role, Dougherty is not just making history—she’s shaping the future. “Science is facing a lot of uncertainty globally,” she said, “but it’s more important than ever to show people why research matters.”

Professor Michele Dougherty is more than an astronomer—she’s a trailblazer, mentor, and storyteller of the universe. And now, she holds one of the most storied titles in British science, ready to inspire generations to look up and dream bigger.