Donovan Moore

Donovan Moore is an American author and science writer whose book What Stars Are Made Of tells the remarkable true story of Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin, the astronomer who discovered that stars are primarily composed of hydrogen and helium, one of the most important findings in the history of astrophysics. Moore's biography rescues Payne-Gaposchkin from relative obscurity, telling the story of a brilliant woman who made a groundbreaking scientific discovery in her doctoral thesis in 1925, only to be persuaded to downplay her findings by a senior male astronomer who later received credit for the same conclusion. Moore combines scientific explanation with compelling biographical narrative, creating a book that is both an accessible introduction to stellar astrophysics and a powerful story about gender, recognition and the history of women in science. His writing appeals to readers interested in science, astronomy, women's history and the stories of unsung scientific pioneers. The audiobook edition brings this inspiring and important biography to listeners who appreciate science writing that combines human drama with genuine scientific insight.