Star analysts of Harvard College Observatory inspired new book by Dava Sobel
Author of “Longitude” and “Galileo’s Daughter,” Dava Sobel in her latest book tells the story of the female “computers” who worked at the Harvard College Observatory from the late 19th through the mid-20th century analyzing stellar data captured on a growing collection of photographic plates. Using complicated calculations, the women classified the stars, determined their brightness, and even discovered new stars, nebulae, and novae. Many of their findings led to important discoveries about the universe, and their work helped clear obstacles for women in science. Sobel will discuss “The Glass Universe: How the Ladies of the Harvard Observatory Took the Measure of the Stars” on Thursday at 4:15 at the Knafel Center. The Gazette recently spoke with her about her book. GAZETTE: How did you first hear of this story? SOBEL: I was interviewing astronomer Wendy Freedman more than 20 years ago as she was working on a Hubble telescope key...