South African – born space physicist Michele Dougherty has been awarded the honorary title of Astronomer Royal. She becomes the first woman to hold the title in the 350 – year -old history of the role.

Although her all-girls school in Durban did not offer science as an option, her father sparked her love for planetary science when he built a telescope in the back garden of the family home. After qualifying as a mathematician and moving to Germany for a fellowship, Dougherty changed focus and joined teams working on two major space missions.

Dougherty played a big role in major discoveries in the solar system, including the revelation that jets of water vapour shoot out of one of Saturn’s moons, Enceladus, meaning it may be able to support life. She even managed to convince Nasa to turn a spacecraft around to take a closer look!

Mark Coles speaks to colleagues and friends who describe her as a supportive and strong team leader always happy to celebrate other people’s successes.

Presenter: Mark Coles
Producers: Ivana Davidovic and Emma Gibson
Editor: Nick Holland
Sound Editor: James Beard

PHOTO: Michele Dougherty/Imperial College London