Women in Astronomy

The sciences have long been one arena where, in a "man's world", women have generally been a bit more respected and welcomed into the community for their contributions to science. Or have they? One aspect Laura will bring up will be the "Harvard Computers", a group of women who scanned photographs of the skies to note anomalies in stellar brightnesses, etc. This was before the time of automated surveys and the digital computers of our day, of course. Their contribution to endless studies of the survey provided a wealth of data for astronomers (men) to take credit for, no doubt. However some who have followed AAVSO (American Association of Variable Star Observers) may know that their legacy was carried forth by Janet Mattei, who headed up the program until her passing not long ago.

Speaker: Laura Sparks, Santa Rosa Junior College