Dr. Soderberg’s observations led to the detection of supernova SN2008D as it occurred, using data from NASA’s Swift Gamma-Ray Burst Mission X-ray space telescope. This landmark discovery, made in the spiral galaxy NGC 2770, was captured in real time thanks to her coordination with multiple observatories.

Her contributions to astronomy were recognized with numerous accolades, including the Annie Jump Cannon Award in Astronomy in 2009.