Henrietta Swan Leavitt
She discovered the period-luminosity relationship for Cepheid variable stars, a crucial tool for measuring cosmic distances.
Most quoted
"A straight line can readily be drawn among each of the two series of points corresponding to maxima and minima, thus showing that there is a simple relation between the brightness of the variables and their periods."
— from Harvard College Observatory Circular 173, 1912
"Since the variables are probably at nearly the same distance from the Earth, their periods are apparently associated with their actual emission of light, as determined by their mass, density, and surface brightness."
— from Harvard College Observatory Circular No. 173, 1912
"The universe is not merely a collection of stars and nebulae; it is a grand narrative, a cosmic poem written in thelight of distant suns, and we, with our telescopes, are learning to read its verses."
— from Attributed
All quotes by Henrietta Swan Leavitt (411)
The light from the stars is a messenger from the cosmos.
The universe is a book, and each star is a word.
The work of a scientist is to listen to what the universe is telling us.
The universe is a mystery, and we are slowly unraveling its clues.
The light from the stars is a bridge across the vastness of space.
The universe is a canvas, and the stars are its paint.
The work of a human computer requires dedication and an eye for detail.
The universe is a story, and we are reading its chapters.
The light from the stars is a testament to the power of the cosmos.
The universe is a dance, and the stars are the dancers.
The study of variable stars has led to a method of measuring the distance to remote galaxies.
It is worth while to devote some attention to the periods of the variables in the Magellanic Clouds.
The relation between the logarithm of the period and the magnitude is nearly linear.
In the Large Magellanic Cloud, the brighter variables have the longer periods.
Astronomy opens the mind to the vastness of the universe.
Persistence in observation yields the greatest discoveries.
The stars whisper secrets to those who listen patiently.
Women in science must forge their own paths amid skepticism.
Each photograph of the sky reveals a new layer of cosmic order.
The period-luminosity relation is a key to unlocking stellar distances.
Contemporaries of Henrietta Swan Leavitt
Other Astronomys born within 50 years of Henrietta Swan Leavitt (1868–1921).