Annie Jump Cannon

Astronomy United States 1863 – 1941 103 quotes

American astronomer who developed the Harvard Classification Scheme for stars, classifying hundreds of thousands and revolutionizing stellar studies.

Quotes by Annie Jump Cannon

Observing variable stars reminds me that nothing in life is constant but change.

Professional note 1908

In art and astronomy, both seek to capture the sublime.

Cultural reflection 1919

Humor lightens the load: Why classify stars? Because they're stellar company!

Interview joke 1934

The political turmoil of the world fades when I gaze at the eternal stars.

Diary entry 1939

My life's work: Turning photographic plates into portraits of the galaxy.

Autobiography draft 1927

Personal reflection: Happiness is found in the harmony of spectral lines.

Private notes 1916

Wisdom from the observatory: Measure twice, classify once.

Aphorism 1904

Stars as philosophers: They teach us silence and vast perspective.

Essay 1930

In a speech: Let no one dim your light; shine as the stars do.

Women's conference 1925

Witty observation: Astronomers don't retire; we just lose our night vision.

Late interview 1940

The science of spectra is the poetry of physics.

Article 1914

Art in the heavens: Galaxies swirl like masterpieces on a dark canvas.

Lecture 1937

On life: Each day is a new orbit, full of possibility.

Journal 1909

Political aside: If leaders studied the stars, they'd see unity in diversity.

Letter 1920

Famous saying: The universe is not only stranger than we imagine, it is stranger than we can imagine.

Adapted remark 1935

Key passage: In the Henry Draper Catalogue, we see the skeleton of the sky.

Major work 1918

From correspondence: My dear friend, pursue your passions as I have mine.

Letter 1921

Speech excerpt: Astronomy opens doors to the infinite, for men and women alike.

AAAS address 1932

Interview quote: I owe my success to hard work and a good pair of eyes.

New York Times 1929

Personal reflection: Aging is like a red giant—expansive, but still shining.

Diary 1938