Annie Jump Cannon is famous for her pioneering work in astronomy, particularly for developing the stellar classification system that sorted stars into the spectral types O, B, A, F, G, K, and M based on their temperatures—a method still in use by astronomers today[1][7][5]. She classified and cataloged hundreds of thousands of stars, compiling the largest single collection of astronomical data by an individual in the Henry Draper Catalogue[7][5]. Over her career, she classified more than 225,000–350,000 stars and discovered about 300 variable stars and five novae[1][3][7].
Cannon’s classification system revolutionized astronomical research by providing a simple, universally adopted method to organize and compare stars[1][7]. Her work enabled the systematic study of stellar evolution and properties, forming the backbone of modern astrophysics[5][6]. In addition to her technical achievements, Cannon was a trailblazer for women in science, becoming the first woman to receive an honorary doctorate from Oxford University and the first female recipient of the Henry Draper Medal[2][3][7]. She played an active role in promoting women’s rights, working as an advocate for women scientists and as a member of the National Women’s Party[2][4].
References
- [1] Annie Jump Cannon’s Stellar Achievements – AIP Student Programs
- [2] Annie Jump Cannon Biography – National Women’s History Museum
- [3] #STEAMspotlight: Annie Jump Cannon – Thinkery
- [4] How Three Women “Computers” Made History at the Harvard …
- [5] Annie Jump Cannon – National Women’s Hall of Fame
- [6] Women Astronomers at Harvard at the Turn of the Century
- [7] Annie Jump Cannon | American Astronomer & Women’s Rights Activist