I am Henrietta Hill Swope, and as I sit here in my quiet office at the Harvard College Observatory, the world outside is a swirl of change and possibility. The year is 1936. My desk is cluttered with photographic plates-thin, glass rectangles that capture the faint, blinking light of distant stars. The room smells faintly of chemicals and dust, and the air is heavy with the anticipation of discovery. Through the windows, the spires of Cambridge rise against a pale New England sky, and the campus hums with the energy of young minds and old traditions.

My life has been shaped by both privilege and purpose. Born in St. Louis in 1902, I am the daughter of Gerard Swope, president of General Electric, and Mary Hill Swope, a Bryn Mawr graduate and social reformer who worked with Jane Addams at Hull House. My family’s wealth has afforded me opportunities, but I have always felt compelled to earn my place through diligence and intellect. I attended Barnard College, then Radcliffe, and soon found myself drawn to the mysteries of the stars.

At Harvard, I work alongside Harlow Shapley, one of the great minds of our time. My focus is on variable stars-those celestial beacons whose brightness waxes and wanes with cosmic regularity. In those first years, my surveys of a small patch of the Milky Way helped Dr. Shapley identify the true nucleus of our galaxy, overturning the old belief that the Earth and Sun were at its center. By 1934, I was leading all of Harvard’s programs on variable stars, and by the time I left, I had charted more than a thousand of them. I take quiet pride in my “flair for discovering variable stars,” as Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin once said.

The work is meticulous-hours spent hunched over plates, eyes straining to discern the faintest flicker. Yet, there is a thrill in knowing that each discovery brings us closer to understanding the vast architecture of the universe. I am especially proud of my work on Cepheid variables, whose reliable pulsations serve as cosmic yardsticks, allowing us to measure the distances to far-off galaxies like Andromeda. The feeling of peering into the depths of space and time is both humbling and exhilarating.

I have traveled far for my science. In 1936, I journeyed to the Soviet Union for the Harvard-MIT Eclipse Expedition, perching atop a camel to photograph the solar corona during a total eclipse-an adventure both scientific and surreal. Yet, my path has not always been smooth. As a woman in astronomy, I have often been seen as “cheap labor,” my contributions undervalued by those who believe science is a man’s domain. Still, I persist, for I believe deeply in the power of knowledge and the necessity of women’s voices in every field.

When the world was plunged into war, I left Harvard to work at MIT’s Radiation Laboratory, and soon after, I was recruited by the Navy to help develop LORAN, a revolutionary navigation system that used radio signals to guide ships and planes across the globe. I became head of the LORAN division at the Navy Hydrographic Office, a role that brought new challenges and a sense of patriotic purpose.

After the war, I returned to teaching and research, joining the Carnegie Institution’s observatories in California. There, I continued my work on variable stars, collaborating with Walter Baade and using the powerful Hale Telescope to probe the mysteries of distant galaxies. Throughout my career, I have championed women’s education, establishing scholarships and speaking out for equal opportunity.

I am often described as humble, “no frills, very sweet, otherworldly, and decidedly bluestocking.” I suppose that is true. My joys are simple: the satisfaction of a well-plotted light curve, the camaraderie of fellow scientists, the knowledge that my work has helped map the universe.

In this era, humans are bound together by curiosity and the drive to explore. Science is a collective endeavor-each discovery builds upon the last, and every mind, regardless of gender or background, has a role to play. My greatest hope is that the next generation will look up at the stars and see not only the mysteries of the cosmos, but also the limitless possibilities within themselves.

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Essay: Lessons for Startups from My Life

As an astronomer, my life has revolved around discovery, precision, and perseverance. These same qualities are essential for anyone embarking on the journey of building a startup.

1. Embrace the Unknown
Just as I spent countless nights searching for variable stars, entrepreneurs must venture into uncharted territory. The unknown is not something to fear, but a space of opportunity. Every challenge is a chance to learn, and every failure a stepping stone to success.

2. Value Meticulous Work
Great discoveries are built on careful observation and rigorous analysis. In the startup world, attention to detail-whether in product design, customer feedback, or financial planning-can make the difference between success and obscurity. Never underestimate the power of precision.

3. Collaborate and Share Credit
Science is a team effort. My work thrived because of collaboration with mentors like Harlow Shapley and colleagues like Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin. In startups, build a culture of mutual respect and shared achievement. Celebrate the contributions of every team member.

4. Innovate with Purpose
My development of LORAN during World War II was driven by necessity, but it also transformed navigation forever. Startups should seek to solve real problems and create lasting value. Let innovation be guided by purpose, not just profit.

5. Champion Diversity
As a woman in a male-dominated field, I know firsthand the importance of diverse voices. Diverse teams bring fresh perspectives and drive better solutions. Make inclusion a core value from the start.

6. Give Back
Whether by mentoring others, supporting education, or contributing to your community, find ways to give back. The legacy of a startup is not just in its products, but in the positive impact it leaves on people and society.

In the end, the universe is vast, and our time is brief. Use it wisely. Be curious, be diligent, and never stop reaching for the stars.