GRRL! SUMMARY:
- Cecilia PAYNE-GAPOSCHKIN’s groundbreaking work revealed that stars are predominantly made of hydrogen and helium, contradicting the male-dominated scientific views of her time.
- Despite significant challenges and gender discrimination, female astronomers like Vera Rubin and Jocelyn Bell Burnell have paved the way for future women in science, though their contributions often went unrecognized by the Nobel committee.
- The representation of women in astronomy remains low, but momentum is building as more women enter the field, indicating potential cultural shifts toward greater recognition of their achievements.
UPCOMING:
- Theatrical Premiere of The Lightest Element: This new play by Stella Feehily, which explores the life and achievements of Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin, is set to open this week at the Hampstead Theatre.
- Unveiling of the Vera C. Rubin Observatory: The largest camera in the world, designed to image the entire visible sky every three to four nights, is scheduled to be unveiled in Chile. This observatory is named after Vera Rubin and represents a significant step in modern astronomical research, particularly in the study of dark matter.
- Lectures and Panels on Women in Astronomy: As discussions around gender representation in STEM fields continue, one can expect various universities and institutions to host lectures and panels focusing on the contributions of women in astronomy. Check local academic calendars for specifics.
- Book Releases and Signings: Several books on women in science, such as Shohini Ghose’s Her Space, Her Time: How Trailblazing Women Scientists Decoded the Hidden Universe, may also have upcoming release events or signings that highlight the contributions of women like Payne-Gaposchkin and Rubin.
- Public Talks and Documentary Screenings: Keep an eye out for public talks, webinars, or screenings of documentaries that focus on the history of women in astronomy, celebrating their contributions and discussing ongoing challenges in the field.
These events reflect the growing awareness and recognition of the important roles that women have played in the field of astronomy and science at large.
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Article by: www.theguardian.com
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