Cecilia Payne

With this app students learn about the life and contributions to stellar astronomy and astrophysics made by Cecilia Payne. It discusses the discovery of composition of the sun and stars.

Cecilia Payne was born in Wendover, England. The new century had just begun, and in 1900, women did not have great educational opportunities, especially in science. Cecilia’s father was a barrister. He worked in London. Cecilia’s mother was an artist and musician. She was the eldest of three children. Cecilia’s mother introduced her to classic literature by reading Homer’s Odyssey to her when she was a young child. Her mother also taught her Latin and other languages. Cecilia was fluent in French and German by the time she was 12 years old.

During the early part of the twentieth century, scientific disciplines were not readily open to women as a field of study. There were many challenges and roadblocks that made it overly difficult for women to get a science education. During her lifetime, Cecilia Payne made several important scientific breakthroughs. She also made many social breakthroughs for women.

Students will enjoy using this graphically illustrated, interactive learning tool. The timeline feature presents key events in the development of our modern understanding of the structure and composition of stars. By tapping on timeline points brings up descriptions of historically significant events and the role the Cecilia Payne played. A quiz function helps students demonstrate their comprehension of the reading material. Key science concepts are shown in colorful illustrations. We hope this app will inspire students to study astronomy and astrophysics. The app shows that Cecilia Payne certainly deserves the place she has earned in the history of science.