Glossary
This section provides clear and accessible definitions of the key terms used in our articles on women in science, astronomy and science communication.
It aims to facilitate understanding of the key concepts, phenomena and sometimes technical words encountered when discovering the world of Vera Rubin and the great pioneers of research.
Whether you are curious, a student, or simply passionate about the subject, this glossary will help you better navigate dark matter, cosmology, the Matilda effect, and other essential concepts.
- Astrophysicist
- Dark matter
- Cosmology
- Matilda effect
- Galactic rotation
- Popularisation
- Cosmic expansion
A scientist specialising in the study of stars, galaxies, and phenomena in the universe. Feminine form of astrophysicist.
A form of invisible matter that emits neither light nor energy but exerts a gravitational force. It accounts for the majority of the mass in the Universe.
Science that studies the origin, structure and evolution of the Universe as a whole.
A phenomenon whereby discoveries made by women are downplayed, forgotten or attributed to their male colleagues.
Movement of stars and gas revolving around the centre of a galaxy.
The act of explaining science in a clear and accessible manner to a non-specialist audience.
The fact that the Universe is constantly expanding: galaxies are moving further apart from each other over time.
