Evelyn Leland

The Harvard Computers, along with Edward Charles Pickering. Leland is standing in back row, behind Annie Jump Cannon. (c. 1910)

Credit: Harvard University Archives

Evelyn Leland was born in 1870 and was one of the Harvard "computers" working under Edward Charles Pickering, director of Harvard College Observatory at the time. Leland was a staff member of the observatory from 1889 to 1925 and focused her research on stellar spectra and variable stars. She analyzed the photographic plates that were sent up to Harvard College Observatory from the Arequipa Station in Peru, discovering new variable stars and other objects with curious spectra. (This southern hemisphere observatory allowed astronomers to gather information about stars that were not visible from Harvard's northern latitude). Throughout her time at Harvard College Observatory, Leland contributed to numerous publications and was an excellent astronomical observer.

Harvard Observatory Staff. Leland is second from left. (c. 1918)
Credit: Harvard University Archives