This week we take an in-depth look at the work done at the Harvard College Observatory on cataloging and classifying variable stars under the direction of Charles Edward Pickering.  We examine the contributions of Williamina Fleming, Annie Jump Cannon and Henrietta Swan Leavitt that resulted in the the period luminosity relationship, also known as Leavitt's Law.

Episode 3.37: Variable Stars and Leavitt's Law

An examination of scientific inquiry through a discussion of the history and philosophy of the scientific endeavor.

Natural Sciences

Science & Medicine

Education

Training

Language Courses

Higher Education

K-12

Educational Technology

Science

In this unscripted episode, we take a look at the announced results from the Muon g-2 experiment recently performed at the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory.  We examine what it means for the Standard Model of Particle Physics along with the importance of doing science with the goal of falsifying presently accepted models and theories rather than seeking confirmation.

The Scientific Odyssey Unscripted-The Muon g-2 Experiment Results

A look at pseudosciences and their characteristics through the lenses of critical thinking and inquiry.

Episode 1.10: Science, Pseudoscience, and Snake Oil

In this episode, we begin our exploration of the Chinese cartographic tradition.

Episode 5.12: Boundaries of Empire

In this special solstice episode fo the podcast, we embark on a winter journey through the writings of John Muir and David Henry Thoreau among others.

Solstice 2020

In this episode, we conclude our examination of cartography in the Roman Empire by looking at the development of itineraries and travel maps from the period of the late Antonines to the Byzantine Empire.

Episode 3.37: Variable Stars and Leavitt's Law

Download our free app to listen on your phone