In the 1970s, Vera Rubin made groundbreaking observations that turned our understanding of the universe on its head. With relentless effort, Rubin meticulously analysed the velocities of over 60 galaxies, each revealing flat rotation curves. Her steadfast efforts finally shed light on the elusive concept of dark matter.

Despite the revolutionary nature of her discoveries, Rubin was never awarded the Nobel Prize - although, she did earn practically every other scientific award that a scientist can win, including the prestigious National Medal of Science in 1993, acknowledging her profound impact on astrophysics. Beyond her monumental scientific contributions, Rubin was a fierce advocate for gender equality in astronomy, paving the way for a more inclusive field and elevating women's visibility in science.