Synopses & Reviews
Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin is acclaimed as the greatest woman astronomer of all time. In this book, her own story of her professional life, work, and scientific achievements is augmented by the personal recollections of her daughter, Katherine Haramundanis. Other highlights include a scientific appreciation by Jesse Greenstein, a historical essay by Peggy Kidwell and, new to this edition, an introduction by Virginia Trimble. Payne-Gaposchkin's overwhelming love for astronomy was her personal guiding light, and her attitude and approach have lessons for all. She received many prestigious awards for her outstanding contributions to science. In 1956, she became the first woman Professor at Harvard University, as well as being the first woman departmental chair. This book will interest both astronomers and those studying the advancement of the position and status of women in society.
Review
"...a very welcome addition to any library....A must read for all astronomy enthusiasts and students, and highly recommended for all woman interested in science." Choice
Synopsis
Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin was acclaimed as the greatest woman astronomer of all time. Her own story of scientific achievement is augmented by personal recollections from her daughter, Katherine Haramundanis, a scientific appreciation by Jesse Greenstein, a historical essay by Peggy Kidwell and, in this new edition, an introduction by Virginia Trimble. Payne-Gaposchkin received many awards for her contributions to science and became the first woman Professor of Harvard University, and the first woman departmental chair. This book will fascinate both astronomers and those studying the achievements of women.
Synopsis
Acclaimed as the greatest woman astronomer of all time, Cecilia Payne Gaposchkin's overwhelming love for astronomy was her personal guiding light. Her own story of her life, work and scientific achievements is augmented by contributions from her daughter as well as others.
Description
"Bibliography of works by Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin": p. 239-255. Includes bibliographical references and index.
Table of Contents
Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin: an Introduction Virginia Trimble; An introduction to The Dyer's Hand Jesse L. Greenstein; A historical introduction to The Dyer's Hand Peggy A. Kidwell; A personal recollection Katherine Haramundanis; The Dyer's Hand: an autobiography Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin; Dedication; Foreword; Part I. The Vision Splendid: 1. Backgrounds; 2. Beginnings; 3. Prelude to education; 4. Birth of a dream; 5. Dramatic interlude; 6. The dream fulfilled; 7. Pathway to the stars; Part II. The Light Of Common Day: 8. England and the United States; 9. Harvard College Observatory; 10. The cradle of astrophysics; 11. Harlow Shapley; 12. Stellar atmospheres; 13. Spectra and luminosities; 14. Editorial experiences; 15. Visiting astronomers; 16. At the cross roads; Part III. The Dyer's Hand Subdued: 17. Turning point; 18. Prolegomena to various stars; 19. International problems; 20. End of an era; 21. Retrospect; Part IV. Reflections: 22. On being a woman; 23. Science and myth; 24. Worlds not realized; Bibliography of works by Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin; Postlude; Index.