Iran’s first female professor, Alenush Terian, has rightly earned the title “Mother of Modern Iranian Astrophysics.” She dedicated the entire conscious part of her 90 years to personal growth and establishing her place in the field of science.
Alenush Teryan, an Armenian woman born in Tehran, studied at the Faculty of Science at the University of Tehran and later at the Faculty of Atmospheric Physics at Sorbonne University, thanks to her own efforts and the support of her parents. She was awarded a scholarship by the University of Tehran to study and work at the Solar Physics Observatory in West Germany. Despite receiving lucrative offers to live and work in both France and Germany, she chose to apply her knowledge in Iran.
The intelligent and graceful woman, however, never started a family and once remarked, “My daughter’s name is Aregak, my son’s is Lusin.” In the final years of her life, she resided in a nursing home. In honor of her parents’ memory, she bequeathed her house to the Armenian community of Nor Julfa, ensuring that students without housing could live there.
Alenush Teryan taught thermodynamics and astrophysics at the University of Tehran. She was a member of the Geophysics Committee at the University of Tehran and later became the chair of the Solar Physics Research Group at the university’s Geophysics Institute. She played a pivotal role in the establishment and development of the Solar Physics Observatory.
The Iranian-born Armenian scientist was recognized by the authorities during her lifetime, receiving a certificate of appreciation and a medal from the country’s President.
Photos by norjugha.ir site
