Physics Project Abstract
DEVELOPMENTS IN ASTROPHYSICS IN THE TWENTIETH CENTURY
Presenters:
Jennifer Cutler, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, 1500 West Sullivan Road, Aurora, IL, 60506; jcutler@imsa.edu
Ann R. Peterson, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, 1500 West Sullivan Road, Aurora, IL, 60506; ann@imsa.edu
Advisors:
Dr. Leon Lederman, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, 1500 West Sullivan Road, Great Minds Program, Aurora, IL, 60506; 630-907-5912; lederman@fnal.gov
Dr. Judith Scheppler, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, 1500 West Sullivan Road, Grainger Center for Imagination and Inquiry, Aurora, IL, 60506; 630-907-5899; quella@imsa.edu
Dr. Susan Styer, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, 1500 West Sullivan Road, Biology, Aurora, IL, 60506; 630-907-5943; sstyer@imsa.edu
Abstract:
The conceptualization of the age, size, and structure of the universe has evolved dramatically in the last one hundred years. The work of two astrophysicists, Wendy Freedman and Margaret Geller, is discussed in biographical chapters for publication. The work of both women is helping astrophysicists answer two fundamental questions: How old is the universe? How did it come to its current state? These scientists are interviewed and each describes their work, experiences, and inspirations. Wendy Freedman has spent more than a decade researching Cepheid variable stars and has used them to obtain the most precise measurement of the Hubble Constant (the speed at which the universe is expanding). Her work has allowed scientists to more accurately estimate the age of the universe. Margaret Geller surveyed thousands of galaxies and determined the large scale structure of the universe; matter is not uniformly distributed. This surprising discovery contributed to theories about the early evolution of the universe, a subject that continues to perplex scientists. Their tenacity and diligence has allowed them to surmount the many challenges that exist for women in physics today.