Harlow Shapley: The Making of an Observatory Director

Abstract

In 1919, the long-serving director of the Harvard College Observatory died. When the ambitious Harlow Shapley heard the news, although only in his early 30s, he resolved, if possible, to succeed him. But a problem emerged: Shapley was enlisted to debate the size of the Galaxy at a Washington meeting, where his opponent would be a noted speaker who was sure to defeat Shapley in front of an audience that included several involved in the Harvard appointment. The article describes the steps Shapley took to avoid or restrict the confrontation, and how in the end Shapley managed to secure the post, in which he became an outstanding success.