The ‘computer’ who unlocked the Universe: celebrating pivotal women in astronomy
Astronomy For All Lecture 2021
Thursday 20 May 2021 18:00 to 19:00Speakers: |
Introduced by Dr Rebecca Surender, Vice-Principal, Green Templeton Charles Barclay. Associate Fellow, Green Templeton; Outreach Astronomer; Director of the Blackett Observatory at Marlborough College; and Academic Visitor in the Astrophysics sub-department at the University of Oxford. |
Location: |
Virtual Event |
Everyone is warmly invited to join us for this year’s Astronomy For All Lecture.
The lecture will be introduced Vice-Principal Dr Rebecca Surender and delivered by Associate Fellow Charles Barclay.
This illustrated talk will highlight the pivotal and unsung role played by women in astronomy and astrophysics.
It has been 100 years since the death of Henrietta Leavitt, the discoverer of the Period-Luminosity law for Cepheid variable stars, from which Edwin Hubble was able to measure the scale and expansion of the Universe. The talk will review the importance of Leavitt’s work and also single out three other women, whose 20th Century contributions, in their respective fields, have been critical to the development of the whole subject.
The Astronomy For All Lecture Series was started by Charles in 2006 as a way of strengthening and reinforcing the link between Green Templeton, home of the Radcliffe Observatory, and astronomy and the Oxford Astrophysics Department, in particular.
Contact
Please contact events@gtc.ox.ac.uk if you require assistance with registration or have any questions about the event.
Type: Lectures and SeminarsHappy Friday! Our front lawn landscaping project is truly taking shape. This week the stone bench was delivered and installed.
The stars aligned at Green Templeton recently – and we have Emeritus Fellow Professor John Lennox to thank for it.
John has generously donated the college a telescope and telescope house, which Principal Sir Michael Dixon formally named The Lennox Telescope at a small ceremony and plaque unveiling.
The donation has already begun to open up the night sky to students, with fully booked stargazing evenings led by Professor of Astrophysics Rob Fender and the college`s astrophysics research associates.
For John, whose academic work sits at the intersection of science, philosophy and theology, the telescope carries real meaning – reconnecting the college with the original purpose of its historic Radcliffe Observatory setting.
Indeed, the gift comes at a meaningful moment, as the college continues work to preserve and conserve the Observatory through the Preserving the Past | Inspiring the Future campaign.
PS. More stargazing sessions are on the way 🌙
#GreenTempleton #StudentLife #OxfordLife #RadcliffeObservatory #Stargazing
We recently interviewed Mitali Mukherjee, Director of the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism, for Observatory magazine.
From her early days reporting in India to leading a global institute at the University of Oxford, Mitali has championed independent journalism and created space for journalists from around the world to connect and belong.
Read the interview, link in bio!
Sun, garden games and a summer BBQ in the college gardens – will you join us?
We`re hosting our first Alumni and Friends Garden Party on Saturday 20 June 2026 to gather with alumni and friends of every generation in a family-friendly setting.
Book your place today at www.gtc.ox.ac.uk/gardenparty
📸2019 garden party (for alumni only)
Congratulations to all graduands 🧑🎓👩🎓👨🎓
Last weekend, 28 Green Templeton graduates celebrated their academic efforts and success at a small ceremony in the college grounds.
We hope you keep in touch and to see you soon at one of our alumni events across the year.
#greentempletoncollege #graduation
