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Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin became acclaimed in her lifetime as the greatest woman astronomer of all time. Her own story of her professional life, work and scientific achievements is augmented by the personal recollections of her daughter, Katherine Haramundanis, as well as a scientific appreciation by Jesse Greenstein, a historical essay by Peggy Kidwell, and in this new 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 and in 1956 became the first woman to be advanced to the rank of Professor at Harvard University, as well as being the first woman head of department. This book will interest both astronomers and those studying the advancement of the position and status of women in society.
List 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.
Summary
Acclaimed as the greatest woman astronomer of all time, Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin received many awards for her outstanding scientific contributions and was the first women Professor of Harvard University. Her autobiography will fascinate both astronomers and those studying the advancement of the status of women in society.
