THE CURIOUS LIFE OF CECILIA PAYNE

Every constellation tells a story, and the tale of astronomer Cecilia Payne (1900-1979) is one of curiosity and discovery.

Growing up in the English countryside, Cecilia has a knack for noticing the natural wonders that others ignore; she’s especially inquisitive about the stars, wondering what they’re made of. A scholarship to Cambridge University opens the door for Cecilia to explore her biggest questions—some of which are answered by the most brilliant scientists in the world; others she must answer for herself. Often the only woman in the room at Cambridge, she moves to the United States, where she studies alongside remarkably bright women astronomers at Harvard. Adding to their wealth of astronomical knowledge and using their thousands of photographic plates of starlight, Cecilia comes to a groundbreaking conclusion: Stars are not solid after all, but made of gases. She is the first to propose this theory, but the broader scientific community won’t catch up until years later. This inspiring story highlights the scientific process and encourages readers to trust their instincts. Atmospheric (and sometimes beautifully surreal) gouache and watercolor illustrations set the scene in moody jewel-toned hues, reflecting the celestial theme and conveying a vintage feel.

A stellar salute to the feminist scientist who showed us what stars are truly made of.