Maria Mitchell

Maria Mitchell (August 1, 1818 – June 28, 1889) was an American astronomer, who in 1847, by using a telescope, discovered a comet which as a result became known as the "Miss Mitchell's Comet". She won a gold medal prize for her discovery which was presented to her by King Frederick VII of Denmark. The medal said “Not in vain do we watch the setting and rising of the stars”. Mitchell was the first American woman to work as a professional astronomer.

One of ten children, she was raised in the Quaker religion but later adopted Unitarianism.

Read more about Maria Mitchell:  Early Years, Comet Discovery, Career, Efforts, Legacy

Famous quotes containing the words maria and/or mitchell:

    Kidd Dabb: The boat doesn’t stop at Santa Maria this trip.
    Geoff Carter: Why not?
    Kidd: They have no bananas.
    Geoff: They have no bananas?
    Kidd: Yes, they have no bananas.
    Jules Furthman (1888–1960)

    There are things to confess that enrich the world, and things that need not be said.
    —Joni Mitchell (b. 1943)