Great Minds of Astronomy: Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin

The video explores the groundbreaking work of Cecilia Payne, who challenged early 20th-century beliefs about the composition of stars. Initially, it was thought that stars shared Earth's elemental makeup. Payne's research, however, revealed that stars are primarily composed of hydrogen and helium. Despite facing gender-based challenges, Payne's work laid the foundation for modern astrophysics, allowing scientists to understand star compositions and the universe's evolution. Her findings were initially dismissed but later recognized, leading to her becoming a prominent figure in astronomy.

What was the initial belief about the composition of stars and planets?

• They were composed of the same elements as Earth.

• They were made entirely of gases.

• They were made of unique elements not found on Earth.

• They were composed of unknown compounds.

What tool allowed scientists to analyze the elements in stars?

• Thermometer

• Spectrograph

• Microscope

• Telescope

What did Cecilia Payne hypothesize about the spectral patterns of stars?

• They were due to different chemical compositions.

• They were caused by different temperature ranges.

• They were random and had no explanation.

• They were influenced by Earth's atmosphere.

Which element did Payne find to be most abundant in stars?

• Oxygen

• Carbon

• Hydrogen

• Iron

What was the impact of Payne's discovery on cosmic theories?

• It confirmed that stars are made of Earth-like elements.

• It proved that stars are made of unknown elements.

• It suggested that stars are mostly empty space.

• It led to the theory that stars create heavier elements through fusion.

Why was Payne initially advised not to publish her findings?

• They were considered too controversial.

• They were already well-known.

• They were irrelevant to astronomy.

• They were incomplete.

What significant role did Payne achieve later in her career?

• She invented a new type of telescope.

• She discovered a new planet.

• She became the chair of the astronomy department at Harvard.

• She became the first female astronaut.