Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin
Astronomer noted for stellar atmospheres
Born
May 10th, 1900
125 years ago
Died
December 7th, 1979
45 years ago — 79 years old
Category
Scientists & Innovators
Country
United States
Links & References
An English-American astronomer and astrophysicist, played a pivotal role in advancing the understanding of stellar atmospheres. Discovered that the sun is composed mainly of hydrogen and helium, fundamentally altering the field of astrophysics. Published a groundbreaking thesis that laid the foundation for modern astrophysics. Contributed to the understanding of variable stars and the structure of the Milky Way galaxy. Served as a professor at Harvard University, leading the department of astronomy.
Published thesis on stellar atmospheres
Established the composition of the sun
Contributed to studies of variable stars
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