THE STORY: 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. As Henrietta, in her free time, 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. Social progress, like scientific progress, can be hard to see when one is trapped among earthly complications; Henrietta Leavitt and her female peers believe in both, and their dedication changed the way we understand both the heavens and Earth.
Cast of Characters:
HENRIETTA LEAVITT: 30s, brilliant, meticulous, excited - almost always wearing a period hearing-aid. MARGARET LEAVITT: 30s, homebody, creative, sweet, sister. She sings. PETER SHAW: 30s, the head astronomer's apprentice ... and the man. ANNIE CANNON: 40s, the leader, terse and sure, grows into a firebrand. WILLIAMINA FLEMING: 50s, smart as a whip and fun, Scottish.
In order to avoid spam, comments will be moderated. Anonymous comments no longer will be allowed. If your comment is from an actual person it will be approved and posted in a timely manner.
THE STORY: 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. As Henrietta, in her free time, 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. Social progress, like scientific progress, can be hard to see when one is trapped among earthly complications; Henrietta Leavitt and her female peers believe in both, and their dedication changed the way we understand both the heavens and Earth.
ReplyDeleteCast of Characters:
HENRIETTA LEAVITT: 30s, brilliant, meticulous, excited - almost always wearing a period hearing-aid.
MARGARET LEAVITT: 30s, homebody, creative, sweet, sister. She sings.
PETER SHAW: 30s, the head astronomer's apprentice ... and the man.
ANNIE CANNON: 40s, the leader, terse and sure, grows into a firebrand.
WILLIAMINA FLEMING: 50s, smart as a whip and fun, Scottish.