I don't recall my parents ever steering me toward or away from science. It was more that I was steered toward learning and excellence in the classroom.

Very few astronomers will be mourned with the same degree of love and admiration as Vera Rubin.

I'm not in favor of manned spaceflight, because I don't see that it goes anywhere.

Like many astronomers who use the great telescopes on Mauna Kea, I have participated personally and joyfully in ceremonies to celebrate the profound cosmic understanding that comes from joining ancient Hawaiian navigator traditions with the techniques of modern astronomy.

Getting to work at Lick was like being touched by the wand of your fairy godmother.