Within the Harvard Observatory’s walls so grand,

In a time not long ago, a century has passed,

A universe unveiled, discovered at long last.

A group of women gathered, ready to lend a hand.

To sift through photographic plates, stars to peruse.

With meticulous dedication, they classified the array,

Yet half the pay of men, a bitter price they’d pay.

Hired by Pickering, their talents put to use,

Their contributions hidden, like stars behind a screen.

Misnamed “Pickering’s Harem,” a misogynistic slight,

Their worth diminished, veiled in the shadows of the night.

In this celestial realm, their presence went unseen,

Toiling for six days each week, their brilliance renowned.

Twenty-five to fifty cents an hour, meager earnings they received,

Undeterred by the odds, their spirits remained relieved.

The “Harvard Computers” they became, their tasks profound,

Among them stood Williamina P. Fleming, a shining star,

Over fifty nebulae, she dared to explore,

Unveiling the Horsehead Nebula, forever to adore.

Cataloging thousands of stars, venturing far.

J.L.E. Dreyer stripped her name from the list,

credit eluded her, as her name was erased,

By a compiler’s hand, her brilliance effaced.

Claiming them as “Pickering’s,” a dismissive twist.

history neglected these women, their stories bold,

In 1923, Fleming’s calculations so divine,

Discovered the Universe beyond our Milky Way’s line.

Buried beneath prejudice, their worth untold.

The stars they charted, the knowledge they attained.

They blazed a trail, inspiring generations to come,

Breaking barriers, paving the way, bright like the sun.

let us not forget, for their legacy remains,

their brilliance, their dedication, in history unnamed.

May their contributions resurface, shine through,

In the vast tapestry of history, celebrated anew.

Here’s to Pickering’s Harem, herstory reclaimed.