BEATRICE TINSLEY: QUEEN OF THE COSMOS

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ISBN: 978-1-776940059
Publisher: Upstart Press
Author: Maria Gill
Illustrator: Alistair Hughes
Paperback: 32 pages
Ages: 6+

Released: 8 February 2024

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BEATRICE TINSLEY: QUEEN OF THE COSMOS

Queen of the Cosmos, Beatrice Hill Tinsley lived every day as if she was on borrowed time.

Over her short time on Earth, she was determined to further the world’s knowledge of the stars and galaxies. But it was not easy being a female scientist in those times. She would have to make a heartbreaking decision in order to follow her destiny.

Find out about this extraordinary woman, who became one of New Zealand’s greatest scientists in Queen of the Cosmos: Beatrice Hill Tinsley.

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Journal notes

Once I had written Ernest Rutherford’s biography for children, I had to write Beatrice Tinsley’s story. Years ago, a teacher/librarian had asked me to write it, so it had been in the back of my mind for years to do so. It was not going to be an easy one to tell, as I had to find the right tone. In the first draft I leant too much towards a feminist slant. I had felt outraged on Beatrice’s part at the obstacles she had had to face. But after a letter from Beatrice’s sister, I toned it down. It was really beneficial being in contact with Beatrice’s family and her co-worker/partner Richard Larson. Richard helped me understand Beatrice’s role in expanding the world’s knowledge of cosmology.

Alistair Hughes once again drew stunning illustrations to complement the book. He has a keen interest in astronomy and included Beatrice in a timeline for his book ‘The New Zealand Night Sky’. I hope you enjoy the story about one of New Zealand’s most famous scientists.

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