October 22
Women in Astronomy and Astrophysics: Past and Present
Speakers: Anne Marie Porter, Karina Cooper, and William Thomas, AIP Niels Bohr Library & Archives
Abstract: In this seminar, American Institute of Physics (AIP) presents results from ongoing work about women in astronomy and astrophysics from three related angles: history, archival description, and social science. Women's role in astronomy has a rich and surprising history, from Caroline Herschel's collaboration with her brother William in the 18th century, to the extraordinary cultivation of women's talent at the Harvard College Observatory in the early 20th-century, to the efforts over the last 50 years to build equality into the profession. This has been a major focus of work for AIP historians. Moreover, women's contributions have often been obscured in archival descriptions; AIP librarians and archivists are working to restore their names to the historical record. AIP social scientists are also collecting new data on women's participation in the field. A higher percentage of women earn degrees in astronomy compared to some STEM fields, and the percentage of women in astronomy continues to grow over time. Presented by Spencer R. Weart Director of Research in History, Policy, and Culture Dr. William Thomas, Librarian Karina Cooper, and Senior Survey Scientist Anne Marie Porter.
BANG! Organizers:
Matt Lastovka (he/him)
Cole Smith (he/him)