Born: November 6, 1886 (New Haven, Connecticut)
Died: March 7, 1982
Ida Barney (November 6, 1886 – March 7, 1982) was an American astronomer, best known for her 22 volumes of astrometric measurements on 150,000 stars. She made significant contributions to the field of astronomy and played a crucial role in the development of star catalogs.
Born on November 6, 1886, in New Haven, Connecticut, Ida Barney was the daughter of Ida Bushnell Barney and Samuel Eben Barney. She grew up in a family that fostered a love for nature, and she developed a passion for observing birds, eventually becoming the President of the New Haven Bird Club.
Barney pursued her education at Smith College, where she graduated in 1908 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. During her time at Smith College, she excelled academically and was a member of Phi Beta Kappa and Sigma Xi, prestigious national honor societies for students. Continuing her educational journey, she went on to earn her Ph.D. in mathematics from Yale University in 1911.
Following the completion of her Ph.D., Barney began her scientific career as a mathematics professor at Rollins College in 1911. The following year, she returned to her alma mater, Smith College, as an instructor of mathematics. In 1917, Barney moved to Lake Erie College, where she served as a professor until 1919. Eventually, in 1920, she returned to Smith College, this time as an assistant professor.
In 1922, Barney’s career took a significant turn when she was appointed as a research assistant at the Yale University Observatory. This position would shape the rest of her professional life. Initially working under the guidance of Frank Schlesinger, she focused on the precise plotting of star positions from photographic plates. Despite the prevailing belief that only men were suitable for theoretical research, Barney proved her capabilities and made several important advancements in astronomic measurements.
One of Barney’s notable contributions was the implementation of a machine that automatically centered photographic plates, increasing both accuracy and speed in measurements. Her dedication and innovative techniques caught the attention of her colleagues, leading to her promotion to research associate in 1949.
In 1941, when Frank Schlesinger retired, Barney assumed full supervision of the cataloguing at the Yale University Observatory. Under her leadership, the measurements of photographic plates were completed at the IBM Watson Scientific Laboratory, utilizing a new electronic device that improved accuracy and reduced eye strain. Her tireless efforts over a span of 23 years resulted in the completion of the Yale Observatory Zone Catalog, a groundbreaking series of star catalogs published from 1939 to 1983. This extensive catalog contained approximately 400,000 stars and had a significant influence on the development of the Bright Star Catalogue.
Ida Barney’s dedication to astrometric measurements and her meticulous work on star catalogs earned her recognition and acclaim within the scientific community. In 1952, she was awarded the Annie J. Cannon Award in Astronomy, solidifying her place as a distinguished astronomer.
Even after her retirement from Yale University, Barney continued to reside in New Haven, where she had spent the majority of her career. She remained an active member of the scientific community until her passing on March 7, 1982, at the age of 95.
Ida Barney’s contributions to astronomy not only advanced our understanding of the stars but also paved the way for future generations of women in the field. Her commitment to precision, innovation, and perseverance make her an inspiring figure in the history of women’s contributions to science.
Awards:
– Annie J. Cannon Award in Astronomy (1952)