Summary:
- Henrietta Swan Leavitt was an American astronomer in the early 20th century who made a groundbreaking discovery about the relationship between the brightness and period of certain stars, known as Cepheid variables.
- Leavitt's discovery allowed astronomers to measure the distances to distant galaxies, providing a "cosmic yardstick" that revolutionized our understanding of the scale and structure of the universe.
- Despite her significant contributions to astronomy, Leavitt's work was often overshadowed by her male colleagues, and she did not receive the recognition she deserved during her lifetime. This article highlights the importance of Leavitt's work and the need to acknowledge the contributions of women in the history of science.