What does the Maria Mitchell Association do?
The Maria Mitchell Association creates opportunities for all to develop a life-long passion for science through education, research, and first-hand exploration of the sky, land, and sea of Nantucket Island.
What did Maria Mitchell discover?
C/1847 T1
Maria Mitchell/Discovered
Was Maria Mitchell married?
Mitchell never married, but remained close to her immediate family throughout her life, even living in Lynn, Massachusetts with her sister Kate and her family in 1888.
Where did Maria Mitchell go to school?
Vassar College
Maria Mitchell/College
What are Maria Mitchell accomplishments?
The first female astronomer in the United States, Maria Mitchell was also the first American scientist to discover a comet, which brought her international acclaim. Additionally, she was an early advocate for science and math education for girls and the first female astronomy professor.
What are some fun facts about Maria Mitchell?
Maria Mitchell was the first professional female astronomer in the United States. In 1847, by using a telescope, she discovered a comet which as a result became known as the ‘Miss Mitchell’s Comet. ‘ She was awarded a gold medal from the King of Denmark as a result of her discovery.
What were Maria Mitchell’s achievements?
How many sisters did Maria Mitchell have?
She had nine brothers and sisters. Her parents, William Mitchell and Lydia Coleman Mitchell, were Quakers. Maria Mitchell was born into a community unusual for its time in regard to equality for women.
Where was Maria Mitchell buried?
Prospect Hill Cemetery, Nantucket, MA
Maria Mitchell/Place of burial
Was Maria Mitchell the oldest child?
Maria Mitchell hailed from Nantucket, Massachusetts, USA and was born on the first of August 1818. She was the third child and second daughter of ten children. She was a distant relative of Benjamin Franklin.
Where did Maria Mitchell live?
Nantucket
Maria Mitchell/Places lived
In 1861, after her mother died, Mitchell moved to Lynn, Massachusetts, with her father. In ill health, she retired from teaching at Vassar in 1888, and died on June 28, 1889. She is buried with family members at Prospect Hill Cemetery in Nantucket.
How did Maria Mitchell influence the field of astronomy?
Maria Mitchell was an astronomer who studied astronomy on her own time with the support of her father. In 1847, Mitchell discovered a new comet, which became known as “Miss Mitchell’s Comet,” gaining her recognition in astronomy circles.