Hubble's 1924 Discovery Expands the Universe

Hubble's 1924 Discovery Expands the Universe

bbc.com

Hubble's 1924 Discovery Expands the Universe

In 1924, Edwin Hubble used the Hooker telescope at Mount Wilson to discover that the Andromeda and Messier 33 galaxies are outside the Milky Way, drastically expanding our understanding of the universe's size, building upon Henrietta Leavitt's work on Cepheid variable stars and ultimately leading to the understanding of the expanding universe.

Portuguese
United Kingdom
OtherScienceSpaceAstronomyCosmologyEdwin HubbleGalaxiesHenrietta Leavitt
The New York TimesHarvard College ObservatoryMount Wilson ObservatoryLowell ObservatoryKing's College London
Edwin Powell HubbleHarlow ShapleyHeber CurtisHenrietta Swan LeavittEjnar HertzsprungCecilia Payne-GaposchkinVesto Slipher
What was the immediate impact of Edwin Hubble's 1924 discovery on the understanding of the universe's size and structure?
In 1924, Edwin Hubble's discovery that Andromeda and Messier 33 galaxies lie outside the Milky Way revolutionized astronomy. This overturned the prevailing belief that all celestial objects resided within our galaxy, expanding the known universe significantly. His findings were based on observations using the then-largest telescope, the Hooker telescope at Mount Wilson.
How did Henrietta Leavitt's work on Cepheid variable stars contribute to Hubble's discovery, and what were the key challenges overcome?
Hubble's discovery built upon the work of Henrietta Leavitt, who established the period-luminosity relationship for Cepheid variable stars. This relationship allowed astronomers to calculate distances to stars, crucial for Hubble's determination of the distance to other galaxies. Shapley's earlier work on the Milky Way's size, though initially opposed to Hubble's finding, provided the crucial context for interpreting the distances Hubble measured.
What are the long-term implications of Hubble's discovery for our understanding of the universe's origins, evolution, and ultimate fate?
Hubble's work, combined with Vesto Slipher's measurements of galactic redshifts, revealed a correlation between a galaxy's distance and its recessional velocity. This observation laid the groundwork for the understanding of the expanding universe, a concept with profound implications for cosmology and our understanding of the universe's origin and evolution. The improved technology of the Hooker telescope was essential to this discovery.

Cognitive Concepts

3/5

Framing Bias

The article frames Hubble's discovery as the central event, overshadowing the significant prior work of Leavitt and others. The headline and introduction highlight Hubble's confirmation, while Leavitt's foundational contribution is presented later and less prominently. This emphasis creates a narrative that potentially undersells the collaborative and cumulative nature of scientific progress.

2/5

Language Bias

The language used is generally neutral but occasionally employs superlative terms, such as describing Hubble's discovery as 'revolutionary' without providing direct evidence beyond the historical impact. While this is not overtly biased, more measured language could enhance objectivity. The use of the word "destroyed" in Shapley's quote ('This is the letter that destroyed my universe') is a subjective interpretation that could be softened.

3/5

Bias by Omission

The article focuses heavily on the contributions of male astronomers, while mentioning Henrietta Swan Leavitt's crucial work in a relatively brief section. The contributions of other women astronomers are completely omitted. While space constraints are a factor, a more balanced representation of historical contributions, acknowledging women's roles, would improve the narrative.

2/5

False Dichotomy

The narrative presents a simplified view of the 'Great Debate,' portraying it as a clear victory for Curtis over Shapley. The complexity of their arguments and the eventual synthesis of their ideas are understated. This simplification risks misrepresenting the scientific process.

4/5

Gender Bias

The article primarily focuses on the achievements of male astronomers, giving significantly less attention to the pivotal role of Henrietta Swan Leavitt. Her work, fundamental to Hubble's discovery, is described concisely, whereas the contributions of male astronomers are given more extensive treatment and analysis. The lack of mention of other female astronomers further reinforces this imbalance.

Sustainable Development Goals

Quality Education Positive
Indirect Relevance

The article highlights the contributions of several pioneering women in astronomy, such as Henrietta Swan Leavitt, whose work on variable stars was crucial to later discoveries. This showcases the importance of supporting women in STEM fields and promoting gender equality in scientific research. Leavitt's perseverance despite working in a male-dominated field is also inspiring and shows how inclusion leads to scientific advancement.