A selection of women who made a significant contribution to the discipline of astronomy are highlighted in Sobel's book. While employed by Harvard College University, these women made important discoveries. The book emphasizes the sophisticated astronomical concepts these women formed while delving deeply into their lives. The book examines the development of science, highlighting the challenges faced by female astronomers in the 20th century. Sobel passionately describes how a disproportionate number of women were employed by Harvard University, particularly in the departments of cataloging and computation. Generations have been inspired by the discoveries made by these hard-working ladies. Information that was provided to the group of women was analyzed together and made findings concerning the stars through the spectrum analysis. As such, the dedication of these women towards their work culminated into great discoveries as well as led to the emergence of star classification.
Analysis and Critical Evaluation of the Book
According to the book, Harvard College Observatory in the past century comprised of a team of researchers who dedicated themselves to studying the stars. The collection of the glass photographic plates captured the skylight and used in the study. The Observatory group comprised of women who carried out major scientific endeavors that have been critical in reshaping how people understand the cosmos. This ranges from the star discoveries to the vastness of the universe. Sobel communicates how these ramifications were extraordinary as they were done at a time when the society was characterized by male-domination and women were viewed to be inferior. Sobel writes that "Even before they won the right to vote, several of them made contributions of such significance that their names gained honored places in the history of astronomy" (Sobel 12). Women portrayed in this book prove to the reader that they were able to look beyond the society and venture into the scientific field. In fact, their notable contributions have labeled them as iconic figures and motivating every person in the world.
Anna Palmer Draper
Anna Palmer Draper, one of the key women in the discoveries, set the course of the research and invested her money into the study with an underlining objective of pushing forward her dream. Antonia Maury was another vital figure who did not only assist in revealing the existence of orbiting starts but also produced a system of the star classification. The task that involved was mind-bending, and every star was analyzed using the meticulous comparisons categorizing them into ingenious codes. The prisms that were inside the telescopes helped in splitting the light of every star, and the photographs permitted the barcode-like lines in the spectrum to be researched. Sobel indicates that "A hum of numbers and letters, like conversations in code, pervaded the computing room," (Sobel 18). More interestingly, an individual who was once a maid to Pickering made the results so outstanding that consequently the woman became one of the most respected people in the world.
Scholarly History Review
Notably, the author manages to provide scholarly history review of the findings presenting information from the first-hand sources such as research papers and the works conducted in the Observatory. Sobel comprehensively presents every detail in a manner that interest the reader. The wide sources used make the book an in-depth analysis of spectroscopy and astronomy research history. For this reason, a reader who does not have any prior knowledge of the concepts of astronomy will find Sobel's book informative. The book is outstandingly enjoyable helping the one to bridge gaps in knowledge on the modern Hubble as well as the early astronomy. Evidently, The Glass Universe highlights names of outstanding women such as Anna Palmer Draper and some others. Their stories are encouraging especially because of providing better understanding of spectroscopy and astronomy.
Classification of the Stars
Sobel indicates that classification of the stars into 10,000 variables came as a result of the determinative Observatory study. The seminal system of classification was produced by Antonia Maury while Henrietta Swan Leavitt helped with the variables called cephids. The author states that "the brighter the star, the longer the period between its brightest phases" (Sobel 32). According to Sobel, the disclosure provided by these women was a groundbreaking platform which offered the scientists a first chance in measuring the distances across the universe. Additionally, Sobel describes the hardships that Catherine Bruce encountered during the manufacture of the telescope. Perhaps, one of the most exciting aspects emanates from the story of Solon Bailey who was an astronomer. Indeed, his idea of running a new observatory in the mountains of Peru is adventurous and motivating. Earthquakes and volcanic eruptions as well as the revolutions were some of the obstacles faced but Bailey endured them all and managed to finish the study.
The Importance of Women in Science
There is no doubt that Sobel was indeed committed to recording the genius of the observatory women like Maury and others. Their struggles are genuinely moving and reveal portraits of women whose endeavors, aspirations and attitudes surprised the thinking of many men even though they were viewed as somehow inferior and underrated. Sobel indicates with confidence that the society should foster an environment with free thinking to encourage talented minds. Special attention should be paid to women who proved to be able to discover immense possibilities in the scientific field. Simply put, both genders should be treated with equality in mind. The idea is that there is no superior and inferior gender as the portraits of women in the book show that it is only a stereotype that has worked to undermine the female gender.
Weaknesses of the Book
A number of weaknesses are evident in The Glass Universe. For example, Sobel failed to comprehensively provide a description of these women and everything that revolved around their lives. One would allude that the book is simply a recitation of the facts. Evidently, none of the female characters in the book have physical descriptions and a detailed look at their lives outside their work at the Observatory in Harvard institution was not given. A reader cannot be able to tell whether these women were married or not, had children or even family members. Besides, Sobel could have indicated to the reader how the families of these women thought about their career path as they worked in a society that was male-dominated. Questions arise of whether they faced any resistance from their families or whether they were supported. Most distressing in this book is the presentation of the women's work in a vacuum. No discussions of wage disparities, sexual harassment and salaries was provided. The book could have been better if Sobel had also devoted some paragraphs to explaining these issues in order to give broad understanding of the subject, particularly in the social context. The main weakness of The Glass Universe is that it does not give comprehensive information about the women.
Overall Assessment
Despite these weaknesses, the book remains a seminal masterpiece that explores the works of women who ignited further discoveries in astronomy. Sobel uncovers the hidden contributions and histories of women in the world of science. Furthermore, the book is a factual account of true historical events. Sobel chronicles the historical events surrounding the Observatory women of Harvard College and the book as a whole is an admirable reading.
Conclusion
Sobel dives into the history of remarkable women and explores their lives revealing the brilliant contributions these females made in the field of astronomy. The Glass Universe is elegantly written and enriched with research that helps to unfold the hidden history of the incredible women. The discoveries made were groundbreaking and have aided many of the current scientists in making more findings. The book The Glass Universe is absolutely engaging, interesting along with being informative and educative. The ideas in the book broaden the scope of astronomy research. Sobel gives impression of a writer who understands the importance of women in the society. She devotes her time to analyze their lives and showcase how they were able to impact other studies connected with the field of astronomy.
Work Cited
Sobel, Dava. The Glass Universe: The Hidden History of the Women Who Took the Measure of the Stars. Harper Collins Publication. 2016.
