Maria Mitchell

Maria Mitchell was an American astronomer who discovered a comet in 1847. She was the first woman to be awarded the Gold Medal of the Royal Astronomical Society.

Mitchell was born in Nantucket, Massachusetts, in 1818. She was interested in astronomy from a young age, and she would often spend hours stargazing with her father.

In 1847, Mitchell was observing the constellation Leo when she spotted a comet. She quickly calculated its trajectory and notified the American Nautical Almanac. The comet was named after her, and it is now known as "Miss Mitchell's Comet."

Mitchell continued to work as an astronomer for many years. She founded the Maria Mitchell Association in Nantucket, which is now a museum and observatory. She also taught astronomy at Vassar College, where she was the first female professor.

Mitchell was a pioneer for women in science. She showed that women could be just as successful as men in astronomy, and she inspired many young women to pursue careers in STEM fields.

Maria Mitchell was a brilliant astronomer who made significant contributions to our understanding of the night sky.