Who was Maria Mitchell?
Maria Mitchell (1818-1889) was an astronomer who discovered comet 1847 VI, also known as “Miss Mitchell’s Comet.” She was awarded a gold medal by King Christian VIII of Denmark in 1848, for her discovery. Later, she became the first female Professor of Astronomy, teaching at Vassar College. She was also the first female elected as a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. The Maria Mitchell Association, Nantucket, MA, is dedicated to preserving her legacy, and work today.
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15 Comments
Mark Gavin
And what sort of an astronomer is a "woman astronomer"? One who uses a slightly smaller telescope? What a ridiculous answer! Join the 21st century!
Paul Greenslade
It’s obvious Maria Mitchell is a woman, couldn’t you just offer ‘An Astronomer’ as the answer, Male Author?
Ingrid Blaschke Fugate
who came up with the female astronomer? Hope next time they make it clear when it is a male astronomer
William Laughlin
The correct answer is sexist.
Helga U. Williams
After reading these comments, I think the reason "woman" was mentioned because of the time period she lived in. I don't think it was meant in a sexist context. I, as a woman, surely did not have a problem with it t!!!
🙄
Tom Knox
Can we just call her an astronomer?! We already know she was a woman.
Jas Newman
mntvoglein, Actually, the option is LPGA—Ladies' Professional Golf Association.
Coral Harvey
What's the lPGA please what is it an acronym for please!?
Coral Harvey
Susan Lake-Harris, you've hit the nail on the head!
It wasn't meant to be facetious it was just to find a woman astronomer was quite unusual in the the nineteenth century.
earlepg
John W Shreve, When I first read the options I thought that said "astronaut". Upon re-reading, I ended up with a double chance between astronomer and politician.
Susan Lake-Harris
Perhaps it's more about how unusual it was for a woman to BE an astronomer at that time that could be emphasised in the answer so as to not offend so many... Mind you, every other answer then should have "woman" in front of it too... woman tennis player, woman British politician...
John W Shreve
Of course, she was a woman astronomer. You could tell the woman part from the picture. The astronomer part was new to me.
jansen
Obviously from a different culture and language. Keep going to those classes!
🅰️Antoinette🅱️
Thank heavens she wasn't a 'man astronomer'!? 🙀
William Laughlin
William Laughlin,
LOL I see we have a couple of sexist players who must think women can't be astronomers without specifying their sex beforehand. Why is that necessary? SMH