Henrietta Leavitt

Henrietta Leavitt (1868-1921), working at the Harvard College Observatory, made a groundbreaking discovery: the period-luminosity relationship for Cepheid variable stars. This relationship allowed astronomers to determine distances to galaxies far beyond our own, forming a crucial rung on the 'cosmic distance ladder'. Leavitt's work, published in Harvard Observatory Circulars, was essential for Hubble's later measurements of the universe's expansion, despite her facing significant challenges as a female astronomer at the time. Her findings revolutionized distance measurement.

Henrietta Leavitt scores 8.6/10 (Very Good) on Lunoo, making it a well-rated option in the People category.

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