Publishers Weekly
★ 01/04/2021
Married astronomers Jacqueline and Simon Mitton offer a vivid biography of trailblazing astronomer Vera Rubin (1928–2016). Rubin’s work in the 1950s fueled discoveries in cosmology, extragalactic astronomy, and the mystery of dark matter, and opened the field to women scientists. The younger of two daughters in a close-knit Jewish family, Rubin was “naturally curious and observant” and fascinated by the stars. Despite a high school physics class run like “a big macho boys’ club,” Rubin earned a scholarship to Vassar College, where women held “the highest faculty positions in astronomy” and “the concept of women astronomers was normal.” In fellow physics student Bob Rubin, whom she married, Rubin found a partner who supported her professional choices as their family grew. Rubin’s master’s thesis, a study of the rotation rates of spiral galaxies, set the stage for her later work, which delivered data indicating dark matter must exist. The authors present an accessible and concise history of modern astrophysics alongside the biography, which brims with insight into Rubin’s commitment to getting more women into astronomy and her deep fascination with the mysteries of the universe. Stargazers will be delighted by this spirited account. (Feb.)
Priyamvada Natarajan
In this enchanting and engaging biography, Jacqueline and Simon Mitton have captured Vera Rubin’s exceptional life, unconventional career trajectory, and enduring scientific legacy. Rubin was an inspiring astronomer and human being whom I had the privilege of meeting and getting to know early in my career. This celebration of her work and life is most welcome and timely.
Physics Today - Alan Hirshfeld
Rubin’s life story is one of perseverance in the face of occupational and societal obstacles. As the Mittons’ meticulous account of Rubin’s career arc demonstrates, no single breakthrough vaulted her to prominence…Astronomy enthusiasts will enjoy the book’s behind-the-scenes peeks into the profession.
Isis - Jörg Matthias Determann
A very thorough and expertly written book…The Mittons’ biography will be a key reference for researchers working on [Rubin] and other female astronomers in the future. It will also offer great insight for anybody interested in the history of cosmology during the twentieth century. I highly recommend it.
Sandra Faber
By far the most comprehensive review of Vera Rubin’s career and all the factors that shaped it. A must read.
Carolyn Collins Petersen
I will never forget the friendly, reassuring presence of Vera Rubin in the front row at my first presentation for the American Astronomical Society, when I was a graduate student. This superb book brings alive her grace and relentless study of the rotation curves of galaxies, as well as her push for women to succeed and excel in astronomy and astrophysics. This book firmly cements Rubin’s place within the history of astronomy.
Journal of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada - David G. Turner
A detailed and insightful biography of the woman who made such a momentous impact on our understanding of the Universe.
Science - Joanna Behrman
A thoughtful and nuanced chronicle of the famed astronomer’s life that neither overinflates nor diminishes the importance of her contributions…[A] remarkable portrait…[The Mittons] frame her story within a longer history of humanity’s study of galaxies, offering readers a fresh perspective on the history of astronomy in the 20th century.
BBC Sky at Night - Emily Winterburn
Despite her importance, no other biography exists of Vera Rubin…Rubin is a fascinating character, not only for her great scientific achievements but for the example she set in how to tackle gender inequality in science…This is a great introduction to an important woman and her work.
Natural History - Laurence A. Marschall
[An] admirable biography…The Mittons rightly spotlight Rubin’s contributions to modern astronomy…Rubin’s research provided the groundbreaking evidence for one of the abiding mysteries of modern cosmology, while her activism and her exemplary life helped reshape the social fabric of the academic discipline she loved so well.
Jay Pasachoff
This book is fascinating. We see Vera Rubin navigate a varied set of circumstances—in her family, in society, and in the scientific community—which culminated in a US National Observatory being named after her. It’s a story that will keep you reading, eagerly, to the last page.
Nature Astronomy - Neta A. Bahcall
Wonderful…An excellent portrayal of the life and science of this remarkable scientist—a trailblazing astronomer, a true mentor and role model to generations of scientists, a tireless champion of women in science, and a kind and caring human being…The reader will be moved, inspired and motivated, and learn about the exciting research carried out at the time, from galaxies to cosmic expansion, large-scale structure of the Universe, rotation curves and dark matter…Illustrates why Vera was loved by all who knew her.
Journal for the History of Astronomy - Samantha M. Thompson
Will broaden readers’ understanding of Vera Rubin’s legacy by providing a more complete look at her professional and personal lives and the obstacles and successes she encountered along the way.
A Mighty Girl
In this first ever biography of Rubin, Jacqueline Mitton and Simon Mitton draw from Rubin's correspondence and papers to describe both her groundbreaking research and her activism for women researchers, capturing a portrait of a woman driven by a deep desire to learn more about the universe.
The Observatory - Virginia Trimble
Charming, interesting…Buy the book; read the book.
