# Sandra Faber

> American astrophysicist

**Wikidata**: [Q266972](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q266972)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sandra_Faber)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/sandra-faber

## Summary
Sandra Faber is an American astrophysicist known for her groundbreaking research on the Faber-Jackson relation, which describes the relationship between the luminosity and central velocity dispersion of elliptical galaxies. She is a prominent figure in the field of astrophysics, having made significant contributions to understanding the structure and dynamics of galaxies.

## Biography
- Born: December 28, 1944
- Nationality: United States
- Education:
  - Bachelor's degree from Swarthmore College
  - Ph.D. from Harvard University
- Known for: Pioneering work on the Faber-Jackson relation in astrophysics
- Employer(s):
  - University of California, Santa Cruz
  - Harvard University
- Field(s): Astrophysics, Astronomy

## Contributions
- **Faber-Jackson Relation**: Developed the empirical power-law relation between the luminosity and central velocity dispersion of elliptical galaxies, which has been foundational in astrophysics.
- **Dark Matter Research**: Contributed to the understanding of dark matter and its role in galaxy formation.
- **Leadership in Astrophysics**: Served as a professor and researcher at prestigious institutions, shaping the field of astrophysics.
- **Awards and Recognition**: Received numerous awards, including the National Medal of Science and the Gold Medal of the Royal Astronomical Society, for her contributions to astrophysics.

## FAQs
### What is Sandra Faber known for?
Sandra Faber is known for her pioneering work on the Faber-Jackson relation, which describes the relationship between the luminosity and central velocity dispersion of elliptical galaxies. This relation has been foundational in astrophysics and has significantly contributed to our understanding of galaxy dynamics.

### Where did Sandra Faber study?
Sandra Faber earned her Bachelor's degree from Swarthmore College and her Ph.D. from Harvard University. She later conducted research at the Carnegie Institution for Science.

### What awards has Sandra Faber received?
Sandra Faber has received numerous awards, including the National Medal of Science, the Gold Medal of the Royal Astronomical Society, and the Henry Norris Russell Lectureship. These awards recognize her significant contributions to astrophysics.

### Where has Sandra Faber worked?
Sandra Faber has worked at several prestigious institutions, including Harvard University and the University of California, Santa Cruz. She has also been affiliated with the Carnegie Institution for Science.

### What is the Faber-Jackson relation?
The Faber-Jackson relation is an empirical power-law relation between the luminosity and the central velocity dispersion of elliptical galaxies. It was developed by Sandra Faber and John Jackson, and it has been foundational in astrophysics for understanding galaxy dynamics.

## Why They Matter
Sandra Faber's work on the Faber-Jackson relation has been pivotal in astrophysics, providing a fundamental understanding of the relationship between the luminosity and central velocity dispersion of elliptical galaxies. Her research has influenced the study of galaxy formation, dark matter, and the structure of the universe. Faber's contributions have shaped the field of astrophysics and have been recognized through numerous awards and honors.

## Notable For
- **Pioneering Work on the Faber-Jackson Relation**: Developed the empirical power-law relation between the luminosity and central velocity dispersion of elliptical galaxies.
- **National Medal of Science**: Awarded for her significant contributions to astrophysics.
- **Gold Medal of the Royal Astronomical Society**: Recognized for her outstanding work in astronomy.
- **Henry Norris Russell Lectureship**: Awarded for her mid-career achievements in astrophysics.
- **Professor at Harvard University**: Contributed to the astrophysics department and mentored numerous students.
- **Research at the Carnegie Institution for Science**: Conducted groundbreaking research on galaxy dynamics and dark matter.

## Body

### Early Life and Education
Sandra Faber was born on December 28, 1944. She earned her Bachelor's degree from Swarthmore College and her Ph.D. from Harvard University. Her educational background laid the foundation for her career in astrophysics.

### Career and Research
Sandra Faber's career has been marked by significant contributions to astrophysics. She developed the Faber-Jackson relation, which describes the relationship between the luminosity and central velocity dispersion of elliptical galaxies. This relation has been foundational in astrophysics and has significantly contributed to our understanding of galaxy dynamics.

Faber has conducted research at the Carnegie Institution for Science, where she has explored the role of dark matter in galaxy formation. Her work has been recognized through numerous awards and honors, including the National Medal of Science and the Gold Medal of the Royal Astronomical Society.

### Leadership and Influence
Sandra Faber has served as a professor at Harvard University and the University of California, Santa Cruz. She has mentored numerous students and researchers, shaping the field of astrophysics. Her leadership and influence have been instrumental in advancing our understanding of the universe.

### Awards and Recognition
Sandra Faber has received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to astrophysics. These include the National Medal of Science, the Gold Medal of the Royal Astronomical Society, and the Henry Norris Russell Lectureship. These awards recognize her significant impact on the field.

### Legacy and Impact
Sandra Faber's work on the Faber-Jackson relation and her research on dark matter have had a lasting impact on astrophysics. Her contributions have influenced the study of galaxy formation and the structure of the universe. Faber's legacy continues to shape the field of astrophysics and inspire future generations of researchers.

## References

1. [Source](http://www.phys-astro.sonoma.edu/brucemedalists/Faber/index.html)
2. Integrated Authority File
3. data.bibliotheken.nl
4. [Source](http://www.ucolick.org/~faber/faber_cv_09-06.pdf)
5. [Gifts to UC Santa Cruz fund new presidential chair for diversity in astronomy. University of California, Santa Cruz. 2018](https://news.ucsc.edu/2018/08/vera-rubin-chair.html)
6. [Source](https://www.astro.ucsc.edu/faculty/index.php?uid=smfaber)
7. [Source](http://www.phys-astro.sonoma.edu/BruceMedalists/Faber/index.html)
8. [UCSC astronomer Sandra Faber to receive the National Medal of Science. University of California, Santa Cruz. 2012](https://news.ucsc.edu/2012/12/national-science-medal.html)
9. [Source](https://gruber.yale.edu/cosmology/2017/sandra-faber)
10. [Source](https://www.fi.edu/laureates/sandra-m-faber)
11. [Source](https://www.amacad.org/person/sandra-moore-faber)
12. [Leading astronomers and geophysicists honoured in RAS bicentenary year. Royal Astronomical Society. 2020](https://ras.ac.uk/news-and-press/news/leading-astronomers-and-geophysicists-honoured-ras-bicentenary-year-0)
13. [Source](https://clarivate.com/citation-laureates)
14. [Source](https://news.ucsc.edu/2019/04/faber-medal.html)
15. [Source](https://www.aaas.org/fellows/historic?field_last_name_value=All&field_year_elected=2007&page=5)
16. Mathematics Genealogy Project
17. International Standard Name Identifier
18. [Source](http://www.nasonline.org/member-directory/members/55902.html)
19. [Source](https://www.aip.org/history-programs/niels-bohr-library/oral-histories/33932)
20. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
21. Virtual International Authority File
22. [Source](http://www.nasonline.org/member-directory/living-member-list.html)