Maria Mitchell

Maria Mitchell was among the first female astronomers. This is her story in her own words, compiled from letters and diary entries as she toured academies to deliver her scientific lectures.

Born in Massachusetts in 1818, Maria demonstrated an affinity for astronomy and science from a young age. At the time it was almost impossible for a woman to gain a formal education in science; as a young housewife and later as a schoolteacher Maria read many books and thereby educated herself. The most practical application of astronomy in Maria’s time was in navigation and shipping; the use of the heavens to steer oceangoing ships on the right course was crucial.

Before becoming a scientist in her own right, Maria had already become familiar with naval equipment, astronomical concepts, and use of the telescope. Her discovery of a comet in 1847 caused a great stir, yet respect and awards for her accomplishment swiftly followed. Maria Mitchell became something of a sensation, and would spend the following decades authoring and publishing papers and delivering lectures to academic audiences. In maturity, having amply demonstrated her abilities as an astronomer, she was granted a professorship at Vassar College.