Henrietta Leavitt & the Human Computers: Great Minds

The video explores the contributions of Henrietta Swan Leavitt to astronomy, focusing on her discovery of the relationship between Cepheid variables' luminosity and their periods. This breakthrough allowed astronomers to measure vast cosmic distances, leading to the understanding that the universe is expanding. Despite her significant contributions, Leavitt faced gender-based limitations in her career. Her work laid the foundation for future astronomical discoveries, including those by Edwin Hubble, and highlighted the crucial yet often unrecognized role of women in science.

In what ways did Henrietta Leavitt's contributions go unrecognized during her lifetime?

What was the significance of Leavitt's Law in the field of astronomy?