Edward C. Pickering

Edward C. Pickering (1823-1910) was an influential American astronomer and physicist known for his work in stellar spectroscopy and the classification of stars. He served as the director of the Harvard College Observatory, where he pioneered the use of photographic plates for observing celestial bodies. Pickering's systematic cataloging of stars led to the development of the Harvard Classification Scheme, which organized stars based on their spectra and temperature. Notably, he also supported the work of women in astronomy, employing a number of female "computers" who significantly contributed to his research. Pickering's legacy is foundational in modern astrophysics.