Vera Rubin

Who Is Vera Rubin? Age, Biography, and Wiki

Vera Rubin was born on July 23, 1928, and passed away on December 25, 2016. During her remarkable life, she made groundbreaking contributions to astronomy, particularly in the field of dark matter. Her pioneering research provided substantial evidence for the existence of dark matter, reshaping our understanding of the universe. In 2025, we reflect on her significant impact on both astrophysics and advocacy for women in science. Rubin's dedication to her field and her remarkable achievements continue to inspire future generations of scientists.

Occupation	Astrophysicist
Date of Birth	July 23, 1928
Age	88 Years
Birth Place	Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Horoscope	Cancer
Country	Jersey
Date of death	25 December, 2016
Died Place	Princeton, New Jersey, U.S.

Popularity

Height, Weight & Measurements

Vera Rubin was known for her intellectual presence rather than her physical attributes. However, statistics regarding her height and weight aren't commonly documented in biographical sources. As she devoted herself to her research and academia, her legacy transcends physical measurements, focusing instead on her extraordinary intellect and contributions to science.

Rubin's results came to be cited as evidence that spiral galaxies were surrounded by dark matter haloes. Rubin's calculations showed that galaxies must contain at least five to ten times more mass than can be observed directly based on the light emitted by ordinary matter.

Rubin's results were confirmed over subsequent decades, and became the first persuasive results supporting the theory of dark matter, initially proposed by Fritz Zwicky in the 1930s. This data was confirmed by radio astronomers, the discovery of the cosmic microwave background, and images of gravitational lensing.

However, Rubin did not rule out alternative models to dark matter also inspired by her measurements. She and her research were discussed in the 1991 PBS series, The Astronomers.

Family, Dating & Relationship Status

Vera Rubin was married to Robert Rubin, whom she met while studying at the prestigious Vassar College. They married in 1948 and had five children together. Robert was an understanding partner, encouraging her pursuit of a career in a predominantly male field. Their supportive relationship showcased a blend of familial love and mutual respect, allowing Vera to thrive in her professional life.

She was the younger of two sisters born to a Jewish family with roots in Eastern Europe. Pesach soon anglicized his name to Pete Cooper, and as an adult studied electrical engineering and worked at Bell Telephone.

He married Rose Applebaum, a second generation American born to a mother who had immigrated from Bessarabia (in present-day Moldova and Ukraine) to Philadelphia. They met at Bell, where Rose worked until they married.

Net Worth and Salary

At the time of her passing, Vera Rubin's net worth was estimated to be around $10 million. This figure is a testament to her long and fruitful career which spanned several decades, during which she received numerous awards, honors, and recognition. While financial data for her salary during her career is not well-documented, her contributions to science have certainly carved a lasting legacy, which is invaluable beyond monetary measures.

Career, Business and Investments

Throughout her distinguished career, Vera Rubin held various academic positions, notably at the Carnegie Institution of Washington and George Washington University. She was instrumental in the creation of research programs that encouraged women to pursue careers in the sciences. Rubin’s work primarily focused on galaxy rotation curves, which provided compelling evidence for dark matter. Her pioneering spirit and unyielding commitment to her research have solidified her status as a trailblazer, and her influence extends into various initiatives aimed at improving gender equity in STEM fields.

Ignoring advice she had received from a high school science teacher to avoid a scientific career and become an artist, the young aspiring astronomer chose instead to pursue her undergraduate education at Vassar College.

Vassar, then an all-women's school, was famous for its association with the pioneering 19th century astronomer Maria Mitchell, discoverer of Comet 1847 VI (modern designation C/1847 T1) and a professor at Vassar from the time of the founding of its observatory in 1865.

Social Network

Vera Rubin's influence as a scientist has led to a lasting social legacy. While she was not a public figure in the social media sense, her impact is recognized across various platforms focused on astronomy and women's contributions to science. Many organizations and institutes, including those dedicated to promoting women in science, celebrate her life and work. Events held in her honor or lectures named after her are routinely shared across educational and astronomical social networks.

Rubin is "widely thought to have been snubbed for the Nobel Prize." In the decade following her death, there has been significant ongoing disagreement as to why Rubin's work was not recognized with a Nobel. Some assume it was "because of her gender," physicists such as Lisa Randall and Emily Levesque have argued that it was an oversight.

Others have argued that it was a "glaring omission." Popularly written articles like Forbes Magazine's "Who Really Discovered Dark Matter: Fritz Zwicky Or Vera Rubin?" both characterize Rubin's failure to be awarded a Nobel as an egregious snub and equivocate regarding the specific science on which this honor would have been conferred.

Education

Vera Rubin pursued her higher education at Vassar College, where she earned her bachelor's degree in astronomy in 1948. She continued her studies at Georgetown University, where she earned her master's degree. Despite the challenges of her era, Rubin’s academic achievements paved the way for her remarkable career, establishing her as a leading figure within astrophysics. Her educational journey symbolizes the importance of perseverance and passion in the face of adversity.

At Vassar College, Rubin was a member of the honors society Phi Beta Kappa. She earned her bachelor's degree in astronomy in 1948. Despite Vassar's historic reputation for groundbreaking science in the field, Rubin was the only graduate in astronomy that year.

Conclusion

Even in 2025, Vera Rubin’s legacy continues to resonate within the scientific community and beyond. Her ground-breaking work on dark matter fundamentally altered our understanding of the universe, while her life and relationships serve as a testament to the balance of family and career. Vera Rubin remains an inspirational figure, encouraging young scientists and especially women to strive toward their dreams, breaking barriers and establishing their paths in science.