The Great Astronomers: Henrietta Swan Leavitt, the woman who measured the universe

In this installment of the Great Astronomers Series, we dive into the life and legacy of Henrietta Swan Leavitt, one of astronomy’s most quietly revolutionary figures. From painstakingly measuring the brightness of stars on photographic plates to uncovering the relationship that would become the foundation for modern cosmology, Leavitt’s work changed our understanding of the universe.

Learn how her discovery of the period-luminosity relationship in Cepheid variable stars enabled astronomers like Edwin Hubble to measure the vast distances between galaxies and prove that the universe is expanding.

In the episode, we go over:

·         Henrietta Leavitt’s early life and education

·         Her work as a Harvard “computer”

·         Discovering the Cepheid variable relationship

·         How her data made cosmic distance measurements possible

·         Her lasting impact on astronomy and why she deserves wider recognition

What did you think of Henrietta Leavitt’s story? Do you have a favorite “Great Astronomer” you’d like featured next? Drop a comment below, and don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share if you enjoyed the episode.

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