The science documentary series, “Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey,” the remake of Carl Sagans 1980 series, dedicated one of its episodes to honoring the Sisters of the Sun -- three female astronomers who helped humans significantly advance our understanding of the universe. The three women highlighted in the episode are Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin, who determined the chemical composition of stars; Annie Jump Cannon, who developed the first stellar classification catalog, and Henrietta Swann Leavitt, whose discoveries allowed astronomers to measure the distance between the Earth and distant galaxies. The creators of the episode wanted to shine a light on the little-known contributions of women in science in general and in astronomy in particular. As narrator Neil DeGrasse Tyson says at the end of a clip about astronomer Edward C. Pickerings “Computers” -- the group of women he hired to assist with astronomical observations and calculations -- “For some reason, you’ve probably never heard of [these women.] Wonder why?” In it, Cannon, who suffered deafness after an episode of scarlet fever, is voiced by Academy Award-winning deaf actress Marlee Matlin and Payne is voiced by Kirsten Dunst. This excellent episode is a great one to share with children and youth -- not only will it help them understand more about the nature of stars but will also introduce them to three pioneering scientists who helped humans first make these breakthroughs. You can watch the episode via the link below. The entire series is also now available in a 4-disc DVD set at amzn.to/1nVc7Le For a beautifully illustrated picture book biography about Henrietta Leavitt, we recommend “Look Up!: Henrietta Leavitt, Pioneering Woman Astronomer” for ages 4 to 8 at amightygirl/look-up For more stories of girls and women in the sciences, including many biographies, visit our Science & Technology section at amightygirl/books/general-interest/science-technology If your Mighty Girl is fascinated by space, we recommend books, toys, clothing, and even room decor for budding astronauts, astronomers, and astrophysicists from toddlers to teens in our recent post, Mighty Careers: I Want To Be An Astronaut! at amightygirl/blog?p=5812 And, for many stories of both real-life and fictional girls and women challenging gender stereotypes, visit our Gender Discrimination section at amightygirl/books/social-issues/prejudice-discrimination?cat=69
Posted on: Tue, 29 Jul 2014 13:45:01 +0000
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