Lecture Notes: May 2017 - Astronomy Presentation

Introduction

• Event: Special presentation on Omega Centauri globular cluster
• Speaker: Mia Boville
  • Topic: Harvard Computers and Star Classification
  • Background: Work a century ago, "computers" in quotes

Upcoming Lectures

• Next Month: Speaker TBD
• July: Lecture by Amber Stra (NASA's WFIRST mission)
• August: Courtney McManis on Mission Operations (International Space Station)

Important Resources

• Hubble Site Website
  • Modernized, with archives back to 2005
  • Sign up for email updates
• Social Media: Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest

Observatory Tour

• Possible tour tonight, weather permitting
• Meeting point with Arini

News from the Universe (May 2017)

Jupiter Opposition

• Occurs when Jupiter is closest to Earth
• Best viewing as it is opposite the Sun
• Highlights of Jupiter's atmosphere, including the Great Red Spot and Red Spot Jr.

Europa's Water Plumes

• Europa's surface cracked like Arctic ice
• Presence of water plumes detected
• Implication of subsurface water pockets
• Potential for life due to presence of water

Hubble's 27th Anniversary - Spiral Galaxies

• Image of spiral galaxies in the Virgo Cluster
• Detailed views in visible and infrared light
• 3D visualization of galaxies to understand structure

Featured Speaker: Mia Boville

• Background: Research on Dwarf Galaxies
• Talk Focus: Harvard Computers and their contributions

Harvard Computers: Pioneers in Astronomy

Key Figures

• Willamina Fleming: Developed initial star classification
• Antonia Maury: Observed detailed spectra, developed classification scheme
• Henrietta Swan Leavitt: Discovered Cepheid Variable Stars' period-luminosity relation
• Annie Jump Cannon: Developed OBAFGKM spectral classification
• Cecilia Payne: Quantified stellar temperatures and chemical composition

Achievements

• Developed classification systems still in use
• Contributions to understanding of star compositions and temperatures
• Advanced women's roles in astronomy during a period with limited opportunities

Legacy and Influence

• Henrietta Leavitt's work is crucial for modern distance scaling (Leavitt Law)
• Annie Jump Cannon Prize established to honor women in early astronomy careers

Q&A Highlights

• Star Observation: Detail in photographic plates, star variability
• Spectra Analysis: Understanding spectral lines and temperature
• Technological Impact: Influence of Harvard Computers on current astronomy

Conclusion

• The contributions of the Harvard Computers remain foundational in astronomy
• Their work paved the way for future generations of female astronomers