A new survey of astronomers and planetary scientists finds that many underrepresented minorities in the field experience discriminatory remarks and verbal and physical harassment. It’s thought that a hostile work environment may be one reason few minorities are employed in the space sciences. Below, some numbers on the survey’s findings and the make-up of astronomy in America:
- 474: The number of astronomers and planetary scientists who responded to the survey.
- 34: The percentage of survey-takers who “sometimes” or “often” heard sexist remarks from peers in school or lab.
- 12: The percentage of survey-takers who “sometimes” or “often” heard racist remarks from peers in school or lab.
- 1.8 times: How much more likely female astronomers were to hear sexist remarks than male astronomers.
- 2.9 times: How much more likely astronomers of color were to hear racist remarks than white astronomers.
- 93: The percentage of working Ph.D. physicists and astronomers in America who are male.
- 96: The percentage of working Ph.D. physicists and astronomers in America who are white or Asian.
