Discover here the essential words and concepts to better understand Katherine Johnson's story and the issues surrounding the Matilda effect.
“Matilda” :
A symbolic term for forgotten or under-recognized women scientists, referring to Matilda Joslyn Gage. On your site, “Matildas” are pioneers whose contributions have been erased.
“Human computer / calculator” :
At NASA (and NACA), “human computer” refers to women who performed manual scientific and technical calculations before or alongside early electronic computers. Katherine Johnson was one of them.
“Jim Crow Segregation” :
A set of racist laws and practices in the United States (late 19th to mid-20th century) that separated whites and Blacks in public spaces, including some scientific and educational institutions.
“West Area Computing Unit” :
A section of the NACA/NASA research center at Langley, where Black women mathematicians (“human computers”) worked, separated from others by racial barriers.
“Trajectory / orbital path” :
In astronomy and aerospace, “trajectory” is the path followed by an object (rocket, satellite) in space, shaped by gravity, velocity, air resistance, etc. Katherine Johnson calculated these trajectories.
“Orbital rendez vous” :
A maneuver that brings two orbiting vehicles -such as a lunar module and service module - together. These require precise calculations (timing, speed, angles).
“Orbital perturbations” :
External effects that alter the ideal trajectory of a space object: atmospheric drag, solar pressure, gravitational variations, etc. These disturbances must be taken into account when planning missions.
“Historical rehabilitation” :
The process of rediscovering and resituating forgotten figures—often women, people of color, or marginalized—in historical, literary, and media narratives.
“Collective memory” :
The shared set of stories, images, and beliefs that a society transmits. The Matilda Effect distorts this memory by erasing women scientists.