Women of the moon
- Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2019.
- x, 299p.; hb; 23cm.
Includes index and appendix.
Of the 1586 lunar craters that have been named to honor scientists and philosophers, only 28 honor a woman. This book recounts briefly the story of lunar nomenclature, delves into a few misunderstood questions about the Moon, and then looks at the lives of the few women that were honored. Who were these women? This book recounts their lives, struggles, and achievements. One way or another these were remarkable women: some got a Nobel Prize, others just funded scientific projects, and yet others were female astronauts. Most readers will only know a few of them if at all, but their exemplary lives are inspiring, and will inspire some women to follow in their footsteps and encourage some men to mend their ways. Along the way it also explains some of the science related to their work, so that the book is also an attempt to enhance the public appreciation of science through these individual stories. At a time when there is still a significant gender inequality, and a loss of faith in science, the stories of the women of the moon must be evoked.