The Glass Universe

In The Glass Universe, bestselling author Dava Sobel illuminates the remarkable yet often overlooked contributions of women to astronomy during the mid-nineteenth century. As "human computers" at the Harvard College Observatory, these women transitioned from computational tasks to groundbreaking research using the vast collection of glass photographic plates. The book highlights key figures such as Williamina Fleming, Annie Jump Cannon, and Dr. Cecilia Helena Payne, showcasing their pivotal roles in transforming our understanding of the cosmos. Through engaging prose and personal accounts, Sobel reveals this hidden history, celebrating the legacy of these pioneering scientists.