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Judith Hannah Weiss's avatar

Many of us know that Isaac Newton discovered gravity, that Charles Darwin discovered evolution, and that Albert Einstein discovered the relativity of time. But few know that Cecilia Payne discovered the universe.

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Glenn Lippman's avatar

Thank you for keeping this pioneering astronomer's memory alive! This is another example of how gender bias tried to extinguish a brilliant person from history. Your essay makes me wonder want other woman or people of color have been relegated to the "dust pile" of the past?

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Ellen Barry's avatar

This rejection and sidelining of women in science is still happening. Many people know this and yet…it breaks my heart how much men hate and fear us.

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Sharon Nolfi's avatar

There are so many brilliant and artistic women whose accomplishments have been ignored by the historical record (mostly written by men). I had not heard of Cecilia, so I'm grateful that you've posted this.

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Anita Mccann's avatar

Thank you for honoring her! What a great person! Let alone, woman!

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Judith Hannah Weiss's avatar

Thank you, friend!

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Goldstein, Steve's avatar

And now, the good stuff. Thanks!

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jean mensing's avatar

Why did I never know this!!!!!! I'm looking up everything about her. The same old story....Remember Rosalind Franklin and probably so many others. No wonder men are afraid of women and too many need to keep them subservient. We should start a Cecelia Payne Society. Or at least a Cecelia Payne Substack to begin with. Thank you so much for writing this (and everything else you write.)

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Sheila's avatar

The unfortunate truth! .. When will woman be able to say and let it be known ..their value ?? Mais, perhaps the value is their selfless accomplishments and all that We give to the world, .. and move on !! And the world is better for our being and doing, unknown by name and personage, only by advancing due to our curiosity and puzzle solving!! Mankind advances thru womankinds intelligence !!! Let it be known!!

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Jim Cox's avatar

Thanks, J, for this important information nugget! I knew that stars are made of hydrogen, but until now I never knew who had figured that out. Excellent short essay.

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Carol Brydolf's avatar

I love your work. Your voice is unique and your words have a heart-breaking beauty. I know you probably would give anything to have your old self and brain back, and I am so sorry that you have lost so much. But thank you for sharing a perspective that's unlike any other.

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CLE's avatar

Loved the history lesson.

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Jerry's avatar

I have seen this story before. It is what happens, all too often, when old white are in charge of something.

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Susan OBrien's avatar

WOW!!!

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