ABOUT & CONTACT
A Giant of Science
Photo: Harlow Shapley, ca 1940, at the rotating desk that he used as Director of Harvard College Observatory from 1921-1952. The desk was built for Edward C. Pickering HCO Director 1877-1919. AIP/ESVA Shapley Collection
Harlow Shapley is one of the most important figures in the history of science due to his discovery of the center of our galaxy and our true place in it. He made other breakthroughs that were basic to astronomy. He was a prolific writer and gifted speaker. He was an internationalist, liberal, and humanitarian. Over four decades, through the news media, books and lectures he explained science and astronomy to the public.
But awareness and even mentions of Shapley have lapsed since his death in 1972.
This project's goal is to reintroduce Shapley from today’s perspective and communicate with new audiences. Much of his story is relevant to today’s issues in science and public life.
You just landed on a new planet - the online hub of the Harlow Shapley Project! Poke around! You’ll find a complete Bibliography of Shapley’s publications. Also a Lloyd a section with videos about the Shapleys’ Nobel laureate son. Other posts describe the Shapleys’ abolitionist ancestors, Martha Shapley as an astronomer, life at the observatory residence in the Shapley years. My Mount Wilson lecture slides tell how Shapley publicized “we are not alone” for years before Sagan. Use the Search tool to find what you want in the posts and other content.
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PROJECT TEAM
Principal Investigator: Deborah Shapley, Bio at Debthink
Special Advisors: June Matthews, Peter Shapley
Project Associate: Thomas J. Bogdan Bogdan compiled the Bibliography of Harlow Shapley publications. He maintains other lists, such as of “HS’s” medals, honorary degrees, and speaking engagements. Dr. Bogdan graduated summa cum laude from SUNY Buffalo in physics and mathematics in 1979. He received the doctorate in physics from the University of Chicago in 1984. With June Matthews Bogdan co-edited Mildred Matthews’ memoir “Shapley’s Round Table.” He compiled that book’s lively Notes section.
FAMILY
“Shapley Family Orchestra” at 60 Garden Street Residence in December 1952. Martha and Lloyd Shapley are at the piano. From left: Alan Shapley and June Matthews on cello, Ralph Matthews on bass, Mildred Shapley Matthews on viola, Sarah Shapley on flute, Bruce Matthews on violin. At rear is Willis Shapley on flute. The two children are Melvin Matthews (right) and Deborah Shapley (left). Shapley Family Collection
Martha Betz Shapley* (1890 - 1981) (wife) See Martha Shapley - Astronomer and Bang! Goes the Universe Martha Shapley (podcast)
Mildred Shapley Matthews* (1915-2016) See Close-up: Life with the Director
Willis Harlow Shapley* (1917-2005)
Alan Horace Shapley (1919-2006)
Lloyd Stowell Shapley* (1923-2016) See Lloyd Shapley - Nobelist and Lloyd Centennial
Carl Betz Shapley (1927-2012)
John Shapley (1890-1978) (brother)
Fern Rusk Shapley** (1890-1984) (John Shapley’s wife)
* Wikipedia entry **Images on Wikipedia
Some Things Named for Shapleys
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