Harlow Shapley
Harlow Shapley (November 2, 1885 – October 20, 1972) was an American scientist, head of the Harvard College Observatory (1921–1952), and political activist during the latter New Deal and Fair Deal.
Shapley used Cepheid variable stars to estimate the size of the Milky Way Galaxy and the Sun’s position within it by using parallax. In 1953 he proposed his “liquid water belt” theory, now known as the concept of a habitable zone. Background Shapley (first standing from the right) at a Science Service board meeting in 1941 Members of the Independent Voters Committee of the Arts and Sciences for Roosevelt visit FDR at the White House (October 1944). From left: Van Wyck Brooks, Hannah Dorner, Jo Davidson, Jan Kiepura, Joseph Cotten,… Continue Reading (8 minute read)