In "A Short History of Nearly Everything," Bill Bryson highlights the pivotal contributions of Annie Jump Cannon and Henrietta Leavitt to the field of astronomy. Their hard work and keen insights laid the foundation for significant advancements, paving the way for Edwin Hubble's later discoveries. Cannon's work on classifying stars and Leavitt's findings on variable stars were crucial for understanding the cosmos.

While Hubble is often credited with astronomical breakthroughs, it's essential to recognize the unsung efforts of Cannon and Leavitt. Their meticulous research was instrumental in shaping the scientific landscape, demonstrating how collaborative efforts, often overlooked, can lead to monumental progress in our understanding of the universe.