Delve into the life and work of Henrietta Leavitt, an influential figure in astronomy who made a groundbreaking discovery enabling the measurement of cosmic distances, yet remains an enigmatic and mysterious figure in history. Explore how her contributions revolutionized astronomers' perception of the universe and set the stage for further cosmic revelations.
In the early 1900s, Henrietta Leavitt made one of the most important discoveries in the history of astronomy: a yardstick to measure distances to faraway stars. Using this tool, scientists eventually transformed our understanding of the universe. They realized space was expanding, that this expansion was accelerating, and that ultimately, everything will end.
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