Newnham College

Written in the stars: Astronomy weekend at Newnham - celebrating remarkable astrophysicist Dr Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin

Fri 5 December 2025

Institute of Astronomy

In December, we celebrate 125 years since the birth of Dr Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin (NC 1919) — a pioneering astronomer whose brilliance transformed our understanding of the universe. One hundred years ago, her revolutionary PhD thesis was hailed as “the most brilliant ever written in astronomy,” revealing for the first time the true chemical composition of the stars.

Dr Payne-Gaposchkin’s career was one of firsts: the first to determine the elements of the stars, the first woman promoted to full Professor at Harvard (1956), and the first woman to lead a department there. Her courage, intellect, and vision continue to inspire generations of scientists and scholars around the world.

Join us as we honour her extraordinary achievements and enduring legacy — a celebration of discovery, determination, and the power of curiosity.

Newnham plan to celebrate the anniversaries of Dr Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin and her extraordinary achievements with a weekend of events from 5-7 December in partnership with the Institute of Astronomy, Cambridge including:

Stargazing at The Institute of Astronomy; a key-note talk with Lord Rees of Ludlow OM- Former Astronomer Royal and 60th President of the Royal Society; a series of talks by notable astrophysicists and astronomers including: Professor Anne Christine Davis, Fellow Professor Maria Ubiali, Professor Hiranya Peiris, former Ruth Holt Research Fellow Dr Ricarda Beckmann and Professor Nikku Madhusudhan; exclusive tours of the Whipple Museum of the History of Science; unveiling of the telescope used by Dr Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin at Newnham; a concert of music (£) inspired by the stars by celebrated artists, pianist Anna Tilbrook, soprano Claire Booth and soprano Katherine Gregory (NC 2020).

Friday 5 December - Institute of Astronomy, Madingley Road, Cambridge
6.15pm-7.00pm – Drinks and nibbles
7.00pm-8.00pm – Astronomer Royal Lord Rees to talk about Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin and her impact on astrophysics
8.00pm-9.00pm – Stargazing with the Cambridge Astronomical Association

Cost: Free talks and events.