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Miss Leavitt's Stars: The Untold Story of the Forgotten Woman Who Discovered How to Meaure the Universe (Great Discoveries)by George Johnson
Synopses & ReviewsPublisher Comments:At the beginning of the twentieth century, scientists argued over the size of the universe: was it, as the astronomer Harlow Shapley argued, the size of the Milky Way, or was there more truth to Edwin Hubble’s claim that our own galaxy is just one among billions? The answer to the controversy: a “yardstick” suitable for measuring the cosmos, was discovered by Henrietta Swan Leavitt, who was employed by the Harvard Observatory as a number cruncher, at a wage not dissimilar from that of workers in the nearby textile mills. Miss Leavitt’s Stars uncovers her neglected history, and brings a fascinating and turbulent period of astronomical history to life. Synopsis:"A short, excellent account of [Leavitt's] extraordinary life and achievements."-Simon Singh, "New York Times Book Review"
Synopsis:A forgotten heroine of science and how she solved one of the crucial mysteries of the universe. "A short, excellent account of [Leavitt's] extraordinary life and achievements."--Simon Singh, "New York Times Book Review" <BR>How big is the universe? In the early twentieth century, scientists took sides. One held that the entire universe was contained in the Milky Way galaxy. Their champion was the strong-willed astronomer Harlow Shapley. Another camp believed that the universe was so vast that the Milky Way was just one galaxy among billions--the view that would prevail, proven by the equally headstrong Edwin Hubble. <BR>Almost forgotten is the Harvard Observatory "computer"--a human number cruncher hired to calculate the positions and luminosities of stars in astronomical photographs--who found the key to the mystery. Radcliffe-educated Henrietta Swan Leavitt, fighting ill health and progressive deafness, stumbled upon a new law that allowed astronomers to use variable stars--those whose brightness rhythmically changes--as a cosmic yardstick. "Miss Leavitt's Stars" is both a masterly account of how we measure the universe and the moving story of a neglected genius. 10 illustrations. Synopsis:Recounts the story of Radcliffe-educated Henrietta Swan Leavitt, who in the face of ill health and progressive hearing loss discovered a new law that enabled astronomers to use variable stars in order to measure the universe, a finding that solved a key scientific mystery and enabled important breakthroughs. Reprint. What Our Readers Are SayingBe the first to add a comment for a chance to win!Product Details
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