Being a female astronomer (who, alas, has not yet attended one of the very cool parties at the AAS meetings), I just had to address these two quotes. I work a lot with young girls – and try to get them interested in science. One of the things I’ve found that helps is just being there, announcing yourself as an astronomer. Many people (old, young, men and women) have the idea that an astronomer is this “other” kind of person (generally old, white haired men in a lab coat). By having role models that don’t fit that stereotype (say, a young woman who dresses in contemporary fashion), they are better able to see themselves in that role – or to encourage their kids to be interested in science. That actually happened to me once – an older man on a telescope tour, seeing me in my PJ’s, said, “You’re an astronomer?” and then went onto say that he would encourage his granddaughter to be interested in science. Another example is when I told a group of teenage girls that I take bellydancing lessons. It rather blew away their idea that scientists are “boring” people. (or that one would have to give up doing other interesting things when you are a scientist) The idea that scientists are just as interesting and varied as people in the rest of the population is a powerful one.

On the issue of Jodi Foster, I know several of us women grad students who reallly loved the movie. It came out when we were in college, already on our path to become astronomers, and so it was a nice affirming image in the media. Of course, many of us had already read the book and site Carl Sagan as a large influence on us becoming astronomers (particularly in my case). I’m not sure what people younger than I would say (since they may have been at a better age to be directly influenced). I guess I don’t understand why people would be offended by a positive image of a woman astronomer in the popular media. (particularly when the character was (loosely) based on the career path of a woman astronomer.)

Also, for those of you who have attended one of our events in the past (or for those of you who just know way too many astronomer), we need your help. Our photo galleries are filled with people trying to find their names. If you know one of them, letting us know is just one click away.

KissKiss,
Gina

Rob

In some mediterranian countries, the gender-balance is in favour of women, since astronomy is not considered a carrierpath that can lead to fortune, fame and power, and hence, isn’t threatening to male egos…
-Regner ( [male-]astronomer at Mt. Stromlo, Australia)

I have heard any number of hypothoses as to why astronomy is doing better than Physics. My own hypothosis is that once it nucleates, it grows. If you reach some sort of “critical mass” of women in the field, it lowers the barriers for younger women to enter. Both external– men eventually have to admit that women can do astronomy once they know a few who are really good at it– and internal– women are more likely to feel comfortable diving into the field if there are other women already there.

Given that girls do better at school in general in the elementray and high school years, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Astronomy 60% female in this country in a decade or two.

-Rob