Overview
About the event
National Woman Astronomers Day takes place on this date as a nod to the first American female astronomer, Maria Mitchell, who was born on August 1, 1818. Mitchell was the first American astronomer to discover a comet, for which she received a gold medal prize awarded by the King of Denmark. Mitchell was a fascinating woman in that she did not have a college education, but she eventually became the first female professor of astronomy when she was appointed to teach at Vassar College.
Like Mitchell, many women in the past who were interested in astronomy were not able (or sometimes not allowed!) to study formally in educational institutions. Instead, they often worked as assistants to men in the field of astronomy, physics and mathematics, making their talents known through hard work. In many cases, men were even given credit for work that women did and discoveries they made.
Like Mitchell, many women in the past who were interested in astronomy were not able (or sometimes not allowed!) to study formally in educational institutions. Instead, they often worked as assistants to men in the field of astronomy, physics and mathematics, making their talents known through hard work. In many cases, men were even given credit for work that women did and discoveries they made.
