Planetarium talk honors women astronomer contributions to 'understanding the cosmos'

Learn about women in astronomy at Friday event

Pictured: Astronomer Vera Rubin who confirmed the existence of dark matter.

ORLANDO, Fla. – Celebrating the discoveries of women astronomers the Emil Buehler Planetarium at Seminole State College will host a presentation Friday evening dedicated to their contributions.

The presentation "Women in Astronomy" by planetarium astronomer Derek Demeter will include women like Vera Rubin, who confirmed the existence of dark matter and Barbara Williams, whose work doubled the sample of galaxies studied.

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Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math fields, or STEM, have often faced barriers their male counterparts have not. 

"We all know about Galileo, Newton and Einstein, but many know very little about these female astronomers," Demeter said.

Demeter said he hopes the show will shed light on the many scientists history has left out.

One of the women the talk will be about is Henrietta Leavitt, one of the first Harvard computers. Leavitt calculated the distance of stars by determining a relationship between the star's luminosity and its change in brightness.

Leavitt's contribution to astronomy "allowed us to figure out the distance of other galaxies and eventually our understanding that the Universe is expanding," Demeter said.

"I am also hoping this show will ignite a fire of inspiration for more girls to pursue science as a career," Demeter said.

A 2013 survey of more than 2,500 American Astronomical Society members, the largest astronomy group in the U.S., showed that women made up 25 percent of the overall group.

Event planners said the show is recommended for children 9 and up, but anyone is welcome to attend.

The event starts at 8:30 p.m. at the planetarium located on the Sanford/Lake Mary campus. Tickets are $6 for adults and $4 for students and adults over 55. RSVP on the Facebook event page here.