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 Seminars
An evening of reconnection, inspiration and community ✨
On Thursday 21 May, alumni returned to college to meet the students shaping Green Templeton today. Hosted in the Tower of the Winds, the evening brought together alumni across generations and disciplines for conversations, shared experiences and new connection 🤝
We are delighted to announce Green Templeton’s Community & Giving Week, taking place from 20–26 June 2026🥳
Throughout the week, we’ll be raising funds for student support while celebrating our wonderful community. There will be opportunities to volunteer you time to help our students, take part in college competitions and unlock additional funds through community challenges.
Early giving is now open, and thanks to a group of generous supporters, we have £20,000 to match donations ahead of 20 June.
Explore our Giving Week platform and make an early gift - link in bio!
📷 The Green Templeton College Photography Competition 2026 is now open!
This year’s theme is ‘The student experience’ — and we’re looking for striking, imaginative photographs that explore this and what it means to you!
🟢 Open to: students, alumni, fellows, common room members, associate members and staff
💷 Prize: £200
📅 Deadline: Monday 1 June 2026 at 13:00
Submit up to three photos to: communications@gtc.ox.ac.uk, including when and where they were taken. We can’t wait to see your work!
Return to Green Templeton College during this year’s Meeting Minds weekend 18-20 September.
Join fellow alumni for a late summer BBQ (18) and a formal dinner (19) – two opportunities to reconnect, revisit college, and enjoy Oxford at its best time of year.
For more information and to register visit: https://www.gtc.ox.ac.uk/alumni/engage/alumni-events/
A tour of the gardens through the eyes of a 15-year-old work experience student.
Maddie Bennett from Bartholomew School in Eynsham spent last week with the communications team at college and found some friendly faces too!
