Born: 1931 (Cambridge, Massachusetts)
Died: 2006
Biography:
Martha Locke Hazen (15 July 1931 – 23 December 2006) was an influential American astronomer who made significant contributions to the field, particularly in her role as curator of the Harvard astronomical photographs collection and her research on variable stars. Born and raised in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Hazen developed a passion for astronomy at a young age.
In 1953, Hazen graduated from Mount Holyoke College with a degree in astronomy. She further pursued her academic career at the University of Michigan, where she completed her Ph.D. in 1958. Her doctoral thesis focused on the distribution of intensity of elliptical galaxies within the Virgo cluster, shedding light on the nature of these celestial objects.
After completing her education, Hazen joined Harvard College Observatory as a research fellow. Her work involved conducting observations in Chile for three weeks every year, allowing her to gather valuable data on various astronomical phenomena. In 1969, she assumed the role of curator of astronomical photographs at Harvard, where she oversaw the Harvard Plate Archives. Over her tenure until 2002, Hazen played a crucial role in preserving and organizing this valuable collection of astronomical photographs.
Not only was Hazen dedicated to her scientific work, but she was also an advocate for advancing the status of women in academia. As Harvard College Observatory’s representative, she actively contributed to a committee focused on improving the opportunities available to women at Harvard. In 1975, she helped organize the first Space for Women conference, aiming to create a supportive network for women in the field of astronomy. Her efforts extended beyond conferences as she played a key role in removing gender biases from the bylaws of the American Astronomical Society.
In addition to her involvement in various institutions, Hazen became a member of the American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO) in 1975. Recognizing her dedication and contributions, she was elected to the AAVSO council in 1984 and later served as a vice president before becoming the president of the association in 1992. Hazen’s vast expertise in variable stars contributed significantly to the advancement of our understanding of these celestial objects.
Hazen’s contributions to astronomy were also recognized beyond her immediate community. The Minor Planet Center at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory named asteroid number 10024 in her honor, referencing her exceptional contributions to the field.
Outside of her professional achievements, Hazen had a fulfilling personal life. She married William Liller in 1959, with whom she had two children, John Liller and Hillary Ward. Although Hazen and Liller divorced in 1982, she found love again and married her second husband, Bruce McHenry, in 1991.
Martha Locke Hazen’s legacy stretches far beyond her achievements in the field of astronomy. Her dedication to expanding opportunities for women in academia and her significant contributions to the study of variable stars serve as an inspiration to aspiring astronomers and scientists worldwide.
Awards:
– 37th AAVSO Merit Award.