Maria Mitchell

1 August 1818 – 28 June 1889

Maria Mitchell was an American astronomer who in 1847 discovered a comet that became known as 'Miss Mitchell's Comet', making her internationally famous. She was the first woman elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and became the first professor of astronomy at Vassar College, where she mentored a generation of women scientists.

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Life events

Born on Nantucket, Massachusetts
1 August 1818

Maria Mitchell was born into a Quaker family on the island of Nantucket, where her father taught her astronomy.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Became librarian of the Nantucket Atheneum
1836

Mitchell worked for about two decades as the first librarian of the Nantucket Atheneum while pursuing astronomy at night.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Discovered comet C/1847 T1, 'Miss Mitchell's Comet'
1 October 1847

Using a telescope on the roof of her family's home, Mitchell discovered a new comet, a feat that brought her international recognition.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Awarded a gold medal by King Christian VIII of Denmark
1848

Mitchell received the Danish king's gold medal prize for her telescopic discovery of the comet.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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First woman elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences
1848

Mitchell became the first woman elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Hired as a computer for the United States Nautical Almanac
1849

Mitchell computed tables of the positions of Venus for the American Ephemeris and Nautical Almanac.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Appointed professor of astronomy at Vassar College
1865

Mitchell became the first faculty member appointed in astronomy at the newly founded Vassar College and director of its observatory.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Co-founded the Association for the Advancement of Women
1873

Mitchell helped found the Association for the Advancement of Women and later served as its president.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Retired from Vassar College
1888

In failing health, Mitchell retired from teaching and moved to Lynn, Massachusetts.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Died in Lynn, Massachusetts
28 June 1889

Maria Mitchell died of brain disease at age 70 and was buried on Nantucket.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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