The Harvard Plate Stacks
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harvardplatestacks.bsky.social
The Harvard Plate Stacks
@harvardplatestacks.bsky.social
The largest collection of glass plate negatives of the night sky, preserving a century of history of the Universe that was created, studied and curated by pioneering women in science since 1880. Apart of the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian
Curious to see it for yourself? 📖✨ Email us to schedule a visit and explore our collection!

#WorldBookDay #BlinkedMyselfAwake #BiekeDepoorter #Astrophotography #GlassPlates #LowellObservatory #Stargazing #PhotographyBook #HistoricalAstronomy
March 6, 2025 at 9:04 PM
Alongside these striking images, the book includes historical texts—featuring a glimpse into our own history—plus Depoorter’s personal reflections on childhood memories lost to trauma.
March 6, 2025 at 9:04 PM
We are honored to share the names of those known:
Basatos, John Sillo, and family

Ishmael Malepa and Sefora Malepa

July Yabo and Cousin

And we continue to research to name those once known.
#BlackHistoryMonth #Astronomy #AfricanExcellence #BoydenObservatory #STEM #BlackHistory #blackexcellence
February 25, 2025 at 12:59 PM
Though their contributions have often been overlooked, their efforts remain vital to the legacy of both the Boyden Observatory and the field of astronomy. This month, we remember their legacy and acknowledge their vital place in scientific history.
February 25, 2025 at 12:59 PM
Their labor and expertise helped lay the foundation for groundbreaking astronomical discoveries. At the time of construction and Harvard’s involvement, South Africa was under the colonialist British Empire that later would be governed by the horrific settler-colonial apartheid South African state.
February 25, 2025 at 12:59 PM
When the Boyden Observatory was established in the 1920s, Black South Africans played a critical role in its construction and operations. These unsung heroes were integral in building the infrastructure that would support decades of scientific research, advancing our understanding of the night sky.
February 25, 2025 at 12:59 PM