Beatrice Tinsley is one of New Zealand's most uncelebrated celebrities. Daughter of a one-time mayor of New Plymouth, she overcame almost insuperable odds to become a scientist and professor of astronomy at Yale University.

She showed early signs of brilliance, being dux of New Plymouth Girls High School in 1957 and galloping through courses on higher mathematics and theoretical physics at Canterbury University.

Google's doodle celebrating the life of astronomer Beatrice Tinsley. Credit:Google

She was almost immediately offered a scholarship at the high-powered Center for Advanced Studies in Texas where, with a new PhD, she collaborated with many astronomers on advanced research but, as a married woman, was excluded from permanent work.

She faced widespread professional jealousy and deeply entrenched macho hostility at many US institutions.