Maria Mitchell

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“Not in vain do we watch the setting and rising of the stars”

Maria Mitchell (August 1, 1818 – June 28, 1889) was an American astronomer who, in 1847, by using a telescope, discovered a comet which as a result became known as "Miss Mitchell's Comet". She won a gold medal prize for her discovery which was presented to her by King Frederick VII of Denmark. The medal said “Not in vain do we watch the setting and rising of the stars”. Mitchell was the first American woman to work as a professional astronomer.

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She became professor of astronomy at Vassar College in 1865, the first person (male or female) appointed to the faculty. She was also named as Director of the Vassar College Observatory. After teaching there for some time, she learned that despite her reputation and experience, her salary was less than that of many younger male professors. She insisted on a salary increase, and got it.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maria_Mitchell

[MotherPetrie]

1. K&R Love the illustration! I had never heard of her before. Glad to be enlightened.

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2. Thanks

[ismnotwasm]

3. Yet another great one

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4. Thanks

[BainsBane]

5. Thanks for posting this

[discntnt_irny_srcsm]

6. You're welcome

[discntnt_irny_srcsm]

7. An update:

http://www.mariamitchell.org/research-and-collections/maria-mitchell/for-students

Maria Mitchell was one of the most famous figures in Nantucket history, and was a force behind women’s rights and women’s education of the nineteenth century. It would be impossible to describe her contributions in just a few short sentences: Like many island women, she fulfilled many roles during her lifetime, both on Nantucket and “off-island.” However, she is most known as the first professional American woman astronomer, a title she received when she discovered a telescopic comet from the roof of the Pacific National Bank on Main Street. Although she would work tirelessly as an astronomer and teacher for the rest of her life, Maria Mitchell was also a librarian, a student of languages, a world traveler, and a supporter of universal rights for women. Read on to learn more about the incredible life and legacy of the much beloved “Miss Mitchell.”