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Overview
Women have a long history in astronomy. Their work has helped to shape what we
know about the solar system, Milky Way and other distant galaxies. What is less
known are the fascinating stories that informed their life and work. Spend a day
learning about the contribution that women have made to astronomy over
centuries.

Beginning with Hypatia (c. 355–415 CE) in Alexandria, Egypt, through Caroline Herschel
in Germany and England in the 18th Century to Maggie Aderin-Pocock in UK in the
present day, this day school charts the course of female astronomers’ lives while
exploring the specific challenges that they faced in their careers. Many of their stories
were obscured or hidden despite their impressive contributions, in part because of
the roles they were restricted to during particular periods in history.

Working with biographical, scientific and secondary sources, this day highlights the
importance of recognising the scientific impact that women astronomers have made
while also paying attention to the difficulties that they still face. There have only
been, for example, four female Nobel laureates in physics to date. ‘Women in
Astronomy’ traces the strategies that women have used to thrive in what have been
hostile working environments.

From the poetry of Rebecca Elson to the music of Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin, this
event aims to inspire by showing how cultivating 'a responsibility to awe' can lead to
the development of life-changing passions and skills. The day will also feature a
present-day astronomer who will share her current research and life's journey.
Please note: this event will close to enrolments at 23:59 BST on 4 October 2023.

Programme details
9.45am:
Registration at Rewley House reception

10am:
Measuring up: Hypatia and astrolabes in Egypt
Recording and teaching astronomy despite religious conflict

11.15am:
Tea/coffee break

11.45am:
Getting paid: Caroline Herschel in England and Germany
Working to revolutionise the earth and the sky

1pm:
Lunch break

2pm:
Outside In: Maggie Aderin-Pocock in England
A winding road to the stars

3.15pm:
Tea/coffee break

3.45pm:
Guest female astronomer
TBC

5pm:
Day ends

Recommended reading
Bell Burnell, J., A celebration of women in astronomy. Astronomy & Geophysics
(45.6, December 2004), pp 6.10–6.14, https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1468-
4004.2003.45610.x (open access online)

Trimble, V. and D.A. Weintraub, The Sky is for Everyone: Women Astronomers in Their
Own Words (Princeton University Press, 2022)
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