AMERICAN ASTRONOMERS
by Carole Ann Camp
In this entry in the Collective Biographies series, Camp presents ten American astronomers whose observations and theories changed the way people view the universe, in biographical sketches that span two centuries and provide a chronological look at the evolution of astronomy as a science in the US. For each scientist—Annie Jump Cannon, Williamina Fleming, George Ellery Hale, Edwin Hubble, Percival Lowell, Maria Mitchell, Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin, Carl Sagan, Harlow Shapley, and Vera Rubin—the author provides information on family life, education, discoveries, career, and contributions to the field. Especially effective are brief quotes from the writings of the subjects themselves, demonstrating fierce dedication, persistence, joy, and purpose. Some readers may find the discoveries and theories discussed are a bit technical (there is no glossary) but they will be drawn in by the fervor of these astronomers for their work. (b&w photos, notes, index) (Nonfiction. 10+)