Overview

When Henrietta Leavitt begins work at the Harvard Observatory in the early 1900s, she isn't allowed to touch a telescope or express an original idea. Instead, she joins a group of women ""computers,"" charting the stars for a renowned astronomer who calculates projects in ""girl hours"" and has no time for the women's probing theories. In her free time, as Henrietta attempts to measure the light and distance of stars, she must also take measure of her life on Earth, trying to balance her dedication to science with family obligations and the possibility of love. The true story of 19th-century astronomer Henrietta Leavitt explores a woman's place in society during a time of immense scientific discoveries, when women's ideas were dismissed until men claimed credit for them.

Full Product Details

9780822233800

Table of Contents

Reviews

""Sheer magic! Smart, infectious humor."" - San Francisco Chronicle ""In Silent Sky, a pioneer claims her place among astronomy's stars."" - Boston Globe ""Gunderson's writing strikes a balance between the cerebral and poetic that's ideal for this subject matter. She has a flair for a nicely turned line... exceptionally effective stage writing."" - Houston Chronicle

Author Information

Tab Content 6

Countries Available