Mapping the Trajectories of Women in Astronomy: influences and Milestones in Talent Development

• María P. Gómez Arizaga ^[1] ; Marianela Beatriz Navarro Ciudad ^[2] ; Annjeanette Martin ^[2] ; María Leonor Conejeros Solar ^[3] ; Marieta Valdivia Lefort ^[4] ; Carla Bravo Rojas ^[5] ; Camila Navarrete Silva ^[6]
  1. [1] Universidad de Santiago de Chile

     Universidad de Santiago de Chile

     Santiago, Chile

     
  2. [2] Universidad de Los Andes

     Universidad de Los Andes

     Colombia

     
  3. [3] Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso

     Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso

     Valparaíso, Chile

     
  4. [4] University College London

     University College London

     Reino Unido

     
  5. [5] Universidad de Granada

     Universidad de Granada

     Granada, España

     
  6. [6] Université Côte d'Azur

     Université Côte d'Azur

     Arrondissement de Grasse, Francia

     

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• Localización: Gifted child quarterly, ISSN-e 1934-9041, ISSN 0016-9862, Vol. 69, Nº 2, 2025 (Ejemplar dedicado a: Teachable Components of Talent Development in Academic Domains), págs. 109-129
• Idioma: inglés
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  • Astronomy is critical for human development, driving technology and innovation, and creating knowledge that allows humanity to understand the universe more fully. Women, however, remain underrepresented in this field. Many women leave the field before becoming established, yet little is known about women who persist and succeed. The purpose of this study was to explore the abilities, experiences, milestones, and individuals that have contributed to women’s talent development along their trajectories in astronomy, in the specific case of Chile. In-depth interviews were conducted with five talented women in astronomy, who have developed their academic and professional careers in Chile. The results show that micro, meso, and macro levels of influence, in conjunction with different time periods, were critical for the participants’ trajectories and have impacted the direction of women’s paths. The astronomers highlight early experiences, mentor support, validation, and gendered experiences as they navigate their own insecurities and develop self-confidence. Implications for the study of talent development in female astronomers are discussed.