Vijf opnames van zonnevlekken door het observatorium van Catane before 1899

These five observations of sunspots by MM. Ch. Fiévez were part of a collaborative astronomical project, illustrating the interconnected nature of scientific progress during this period. The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw the rise of scientific positivism, with the belief in empirical observation and experimentation as the primary means of acquiring knowledge. Here, collaboration across different European observatories allowed for comprehensive tracking of celestial phenomena. It reflects the period’s focus on objectivity and the standardization of scientific methods. Astronomy, like many sciences, had a deeply gendered aspect. While women made significant contributions, they often faced barriers to recognition and inclusion. This work might invite us to consider the roles, both visible and invisible, played by various individuals in advancing scientific understanding. The study of sunspots, beyond its scientific value, could evoke a sense of wonder, linking the personal and the cosmic, asking us to reflect on our place in the universe.