Rest in Power Katherine Johnson

Image credit NASA

It is always difficult when a hero passes on. But celebrating their accomplishments, and the path they paved for others, is a great way to empower future generations of scientists. Katherine Johnson, a NASA mathematician whose calculations help send astronauts into Earth orbit and eventually to the Moon, passed away earlier this week. Her legacy was brought to public attention in the book and film Hidden Figures. Her story shows us what humans could accomplish if we created environments that were inclusive and supportive. Imagine the strides we could take to discover new worlds, uncover what dark matter is, or travel the galaxy if all people had a seat at the computer and telescope. The AIP recently released the results from the National Task Force to Elevate African American representation in Undergraduate Physics & Astronomy (TEAM-UP) which identifies five factors responsible for the success or failure of African American students in physics and astronomy. This is a starting point to understand and change the systemic barriers that people of color face in our fields. The CSWA is also compiling our Actions for a More Inclusive Astronomy which was presented as an iPoster at the 235th AAS Meeting in the hopes of creating such an environment.

Below we list the wonderful articles and dedications to Katherine Johnson.

Read NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine's comments at

https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-administrator-statement-on-passing-of-katherine-johnson

Read about her trailblazing accomplishments at

https://www.nasa.gov/langley/katherine-johnson

Read her biography at

https://www.nasa.gov/content/katherine-johnson-biography

Read more and listen to an NPR story at

https://www.npr.org/2020/02/24/517784975/katherine-johnson-nasa-mathematician-and-an-inspiration-for-hidden-figures-dies

Read the Washington Post's story on how she desegregated higher education at

https://www.washingtonpost.com/outlook/2020/02/25/katherine-johnson-should-also-be-remembered-desegregating-higher-education/

Read how her story inspired a budding astronaut in Chicago at

https://www.chicagotribune.com/columns/heidi-stevens/ct-heidi-stevens-katherine-johnson-hidden-figures-appreciation-0224-20200224-xus3ydedv5hlzbxud7ltv6syl4-story.html

Read about that math that made her a legend at

https://www.vox.com/science-and-health/2020/2/24/21150765/katherine-johnson-death-nasa-legacy-math-hidden-figures

Read the Atlantic's write-up of her legacy

https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2020/02/katherine-johnson-obituary-nasa/606994/

Read the NY Times article about her at

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/24/science/katherine-johnson-dead.html

This National Geographic article may require a subscription to view

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/2020/02/why-hidden-figures-isnt-a-label-of-pride/

Read about how Katherine Johnson's math will get NASA back to the moon at

https://www.wired.com/story/katherine-johnsons-math-will-steer-nasa-back-to-the-moon/

Read Mae Jemison's NY Times piece about the untapped potential of women of color at

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/29/opinion/contributors/Katherine-johnson-nasa.html