Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) Practice Test

What was Annie Jump Cannon's major contribution to astronomy?

1. Development of telescopic lenses

2. Cataloging the spectra of stars

3. Discovering new celestial bodies

4. Researching planetary atmospheres

The correct answer is: Cataloging the spectra of stars

Annie Jump Cannon's major contribution to astronomy was her extensive work in cataloging the spectra of stars. She played a pivotal role in the development of the Harvard Classification Scheme, which categorized stars based on their temperatures and spectral characteristics. This classification system enabled astronomers to better understand the physical properties of stars, their compositions, and their evolution. Cannon's meticulous work allowed her to classify over 350,000 stars, significantly advancing the field of stellar classification and laying the groundwork for future astronomical research. Her contributions not only enhanced the existing knowledge about stars but also established a systematic approach for categorizing celestial objects based on their observed characteristics.