Maria Mitchell
Maria Mitchell was a pioneering American astronomer, librarian, naturalist, and educator who made significant contributions to the field of astronomy in the 19th century. In 1847, she discovered a comet, later designated as C/1847 T1, which became popularly known as 'Miss Mitchell's Comet.' This remarkable achievement earned her a gold medal from King Christian VIII of Denmark in 1848, marking her as one of the first women to gain international recognition in the sciences. Mitchell's work not only advanced astronomical knowledge but also challenged the gender norms of her time, paving the way for future generations of women in science. In 1865, she became the first woman to hold a professorship in astronomy at Vassar College, further solidifying her role as a trailblazer in academia. Her election as the first female Fellow of both the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the American Association for the Advancement of Science underscored her influence and importance in the scientific community. Beyond her discoveries, Mitchell's legacy continues through institutions named in her honor, such as the Maria Mitchell Association and the Maria Mitchell Observatory, which serve to inspire future scientists and preserve her contributions to astronomy and education.
Famous Quotes
View all 19 quotes“Americans are pushy, obnoxious, neurotic, crass - anything and everything - the full catastrophe as our friend Zorba might say. Canadians are none of that. The way you might fear a cow sitting down in the middle of the street during rush hour, that's how I fear Canadians. To Canadians, everyone is equal. Joni Mitchell is interchangeable with a secretary at open-mic night. Frank Gehry is no greater than a hack pumping out McMansions on AutoCAD. John Candy is no funnier than Uncle Lou when he gets a couple of beers in him. No wonder the only Canadians anyone's ever heard of are the ones who have gotten the hell out. Anyone with talent who stayed would be flattened under an avalanche of equality. The thing Canadians don't understand is that some people are extraordinary and should be treated as such.””
“If you trust in Nature, in the small Things that hardly anyone sees and that can so suddenly become huge, immeasurable; if you have this love for what is humble and try very simply, as someone who serves, to win the confidence of what seems poor: then everything will become easier for you, more coherent and somehow more reconciling, not in your conscious mind perhaps, which stays behind, astonished, but in your innermost awareness, awakeness, and knowledge.- Mitchell translation””
“Every formula which expresses a law of nature is a hymn of praise to God.””
