Figure 17-10: R I V U X G
Classifying the Spectra of the Stars The modern classification scheme for stars, based on their spectra, was developed at the Harvard College Observatory in the late nineteenth century. Female astronomers, initially led by Edward C. Pickering (not shown) and (a) Williamina Fleming, standing, and then by (b) Annie Jump Cannon, analyzed hundreds of thousands of spectra. Social conventions of the time prevented most female astronomers from using research telescopes or receiving salaries comparable to those of men.
Classifying the Spectra of the Stars The modern classification scheme for stars, based on their spectra, was developed at the Harvard College Observatory in the late nineteenth century. Female astronomers, initially led by Edward C. Pickering (not shown) and (a) Williamina Fleming, standing, and then by (b) Annie Jump Cannon, analyzed hundreds of thousands of spectra. Social conventions of the time prevented most female astronomers from using research telescopes or receiving salaries comparable to those of men.
(a: Harvard College Observatory; b: Bettmann/Corbis)