Opening Discussion for Measure - Exploring Henrietta Swan Leavitt's Work

Explore the intersection of art and astronomy in this opening discussion for the exhibition "Measure" at the Radcliffe Institute. Delve into artist Anna Von Mertens' reimagining of Henrietta Swan Leavitt's groundbreaking work as a "computer" at the Harvard College Observatory. Discover how Von Mertens' meticulous stitches and intricate graphite marks pay tribute to Leavitt's patient search for patterns that revolutionized our understanding of the cosmos. Join the conversation between Von Mertens and Jennifer L. Roberts as they unpack the exhibition's themes, including the history of women in astronomy, the significance of glass-plate photographs, and the artistic interpretation of scientific data. Gain insights into the creative process behind translating astronomical discoveries into visual art, and learn about the lasting impact of Leavitt's contributions to our knowledge of the universe's size and shape.