It was a discovery that opened our eyes to the vastness of the universe and all that we do not know about it. According to Steve Ruskin, Bell Burnell's discovery is significant for two reasons. First, "it was an incredible discovery for astronomers. It not only confirmed the existence of the theoretical neutron star, but it also enabled scientists to make advances in astrophysics, particularly in their theories of stellar collapse and the formation of black holes" (Ruskin). Ruskin adds that the discovery is important because pulsars are the "most regular 'clocks' in the universe" (Ruskin). Second, Bell Burnell's discovery "shed light on the important role of women in science" (Ruskin). Ruskin admits, "Perhaps more surprising than the fact that a new type of star was discovered was that a woman had discovered it" (Ruskin). Women in all fields of science owe some gratitude to Bell Burnell for beginning to break down barriers that existed between genders. Bell Burnell is still an inspiration to women and all astronomers. In 1991, she became a physics professor in Great Britain and, according to Ruskin, after her appointment, after her appointment, the number of women physics professors in the United Kingdom doubled" (Ruskin). While it is significant that Bell Burnell was a woman working in a man's world in the 60s, it should be overlooked...

Pulsars helped the world understand neuron stars.
It is fascinating to see Bell Burnell's contributions to astronomy occurred at a time when it was not quite the norm for women to be thought of as scientists, much less astronomers. She is an inspiration for all women in that she did not let her gender hold her back from what she wanted to do. While women work in all fields every day, things were different 40 years ago. Bell Burnell used her discovery to embark upon greater things in life and, at the same time, inspire others. Her discovery is also fascinating in that it took great determination and persistence to continue looking into a telescope at little pulses of light recording their activity. While it was probably interesting, it was probably also tedious and boring. Because Bell Burnell continued to look for the mystery and attempted to solve it, we have more knowledge.

Works Cited

Barbara a. Branca. "Jocelyn Susan Bell Burnell." Notable Scientists: From 1900 to the Present. 2008. GALE Science Resource Center. Site Accessed May 29, 2008. http://www.infotrac.galegroup.com.

Ruskin, Steve. "The Discovery of Pulsars." Science and Its Times. 2001. GALE Science Resource Center. Site Accessed May 29, 2008. http://www.infotrac.galegroup.com.