THE STORY OF SILENT SKY
When Henrietta Leavitt begins work at the Harvard Observatory in the early 1900s, she isn't allowed to touch a telescope or express an original idea. Instead, she joins a group of women "computers," charting the stars for a renowned astronomer who calculates projects in "girl hours" and has no time for the women's probing theories. As Henrietta, in her free time, attempts to measure the light and distance of stars, she must also take measure of her life on Earth, trying to balance her dedication to science with family obligations and the possibility of love. The true story of 19th-century astronomer Henrietta Leavitt explores a woman's place in society during a time of immense scientific discoveries, when women's ideas were dismissed until men claimed credit for them. Social progress, like scientific progress, can be hard to see when one is trapped among earthly complications; Henrietta Leavitt and her female peers believe in both, and their dedication changed the way we understand both the heavens and Earth.
Silent Sky Character Descriptions
Henrietta Leavitt (LEH-vit), (F) Raised in Wisconsin, the daughter of a minister, and hired as a Harvard College Observatory "computer," Henrietta is a non-traditional early 1900s woman. She aspires to work as an astronomer. She is passionate about her work and feels compelled to find answers to her questions about the universe. Brilliant, meticulous, excited. Wears a period hearing aid.
Margaret Leavitt: (F), Henrietta's sister, homebody, sweet, creative, plays piano. Henrietta's younger sister and a gifted musician. She stays at home and is a traditional early 1900s woman. She marries and has a child. She is concerned about Henrietta's ambition, as it goes against the traditional norms for women at the time; however, she is supportive of her sister and celebrates her accomplishments.
Peter Shaw: (M), 30s, the head astronomer's apprentice and supervisor of the women at the observatory. In contrast to Henrietta, he is not passionate about astronomy, although he enjoys the work. He wanted to be an actor. He falls in love with Henrietta.
Annie Cannon: (F), 40s, Henrietta's co-worker, she has made important scientific discoveries of her own and is a suffragette. A leader of the group of women, terse and sure of herself, a firebrand.
Williamina Fleming: (F), 50s, Scottish, smart as a whip and fun. A former housekeeper for Dr. Pickering, head of the Harvard College Observatory, she was hired because Dr. Pickering felt she would do better than the men he had working for him. She is smart and quick-witted. Scottish accent a plus!