Astrophysicist Jordan Cracked Solar Secrets

Dame Carole Jordan, an astrophysicist celebrated for her research on the outer atmospheres of cool stars and the sun's corona, passed away at 84. She broke barriers in 1994 by becoming the first female president of the Royal Astronomical Society, championing women in scientific fields.

Jordan's early PhD work focused on unidentified emission lines in the sun's ultraviolet spectrum, leading to her identification of transitions in highly ionized iron, such as Fe XIV. This discovery was confirmed through laboratory experiments at the UK Atomic Energy Laboratory.

Her seminal 1969 paper on ionization equilibrium provided a definitive guide for ultraviolet spectroscopy of elements from carbon to nickel. The launch of the International Ultraviolet Explorer satellite in 1978 allowed her to extend these analyses to other stars, establishing her as an expert on their chromospheres.

Born in London, Jordan developed an early passion for astronomy, pursuing it despite limited opportunities. Her academic career included significant contributions to understanding solar flares and developing diagnostic techniques for stellar X-ray spectra.

Beyond her scientific achievements, Dame Carole was a dedicated advocate for the Royal Astronomical Society, serving in various leadership roles. Her legacy is honored by the naming of Asteroid 8078 Carolejordan and her damehood in 2006.