Let us know what you think and join the conversation at the bottom of this article. Professor Catherine Heymans has been awarded the prestigious title, which dates back almost 200 years. Prof Heymans is a world-leading expert on the physics of the so-called dark universe and a Professor of Astrophysics at the University of Edinburgh. Her research sheds light on the mysteries of dark energy and dark matter - elusive entities that together account for more than 95 per cent of the universe. One of her first hopes for the role is to install telescopes at all of Scotland's remote outdoor learning centres, which are visited by school kids from all over the country. She said too many children had never experienced the joy seeing the rings of Saturn through a telescope - and hopes to share astronomy with more kids. Prof Heymans was recommended to the Queen for the role by an international panel, convened by the Royal Society of Edinburgh. READ MORE: First Scots Astronomer Royal’s grave found Created in 1834, the position of Astronomer Royal for Scotland was originally held by the director of the Royal Observatory, Edinburgh. But since 1995 it has been awarded as an honorary title. The previous holder, Professor John C Brown, passed away in 2019. Prof Heymans said: "I don't think anyone forgets the first time they saw the rings of Saturn through a telescope, but too many people never have the chance. "As Astronomer Royal for Scotland, I want to change that. "My hope is that once that spark and connection with the Universe is made, children will carry that excitement home with them and develop a life-long passion for astronomy or, even better, science as a whole. "I am absolutely delighted to be named Astronomer Royal for Scotland and, as an advocate for equality and diversity, it is also a great honour to be the first woman appointed to the role. "I will enthusiastically use this high-profile platform to advance amateur and professional astronomy within Scotland, and to promote Scotland internationally as a world-leading centre for science." READ MORE: The Astronomer Royal for Scotland tells why the sky in winter remains a dazzling prospect Professor Lord Martin Rees, the current UK Astronomer Royal, said: "It's excellent news that Professor Heymans has been appointed Astronomer Royal for Scotland. "She is a distinguished successor to her predecessors in this role and I wish her a long and successful tenure." Professor Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell, President (interim) of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, said: "The Astronomer Royal for Scotland has always been a distinguished and respected astronomer, and Professor Heymans is exactly that. "She will also always be distinguished as the first female to hold the position." A message from the Editor: Thank you for reading this article. We're more reliant on your support than ever as the shift in consumer habits brought about by coronavirus impacts our advertisers. If you haven't already, please consider supporting our trusted, fact-checked journalism by taking out a digital subscription.