The Astronomer Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin: A Short Biography

Maybe you have never heard of Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin; if not, now is your chance to find out about the interesting woman that had a huge impact on the world of science and advanced the cause of women. Her discovery that hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe was a fundamental breakthrough. She was one of the early astronomers to combine the power of physics and chemistry in order to unlock the mysteries of the stars. Born in Victorian England at a time when women were not encouraged to attend college, after graduation from Cambridge University, Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin came to America to study at Harvard College Observatory under Harlow Shapley. During her four decades at Harvard, she would rise through the ranks, starting as a graduate student and becoming the first female full professor at the prestigious school. During her long and productive career, she would travel the world hosting lectures on Astronomy and attending conferences. At the peak of her career, she was one of the world’s foremost experts on variable stars. A dedicated wife, mother, and world class scholar, Cecilia broke the glass ceiling in the academic world and opened the door for women to advance in many different fields.
Spend some time with this distinguished astronomer and buy the book “The Astronomer Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin – A Short Biography.”