Maria Mitchell Biography

Angie Aramayo

Astronomy Per. 1

Percival

5 March 2015

Maria Mitchell Biography

A famous astronomer once said, “We especially need imagination in science. It is not all mathematics, nor all logic, but it is somewhat beauty and poetry”. This famous astronomer was the representation of imagination. At a young age she was able to master navigational computations as well as calculating the location of her home. Maria Mitchell, unlike many astronomers, did not just devout her life looking up but rather teaching young women about astronomy. The numerous awards she has received throughout her life demonstrate her success and dedication. This woman is the first American female astronomer due to her discovery of a new comet.

            Born and raised in Massachusetts, Maria Mitchell was the daughter of William and Lydia Mitchell. Since the day she was born, August 1, 1818, Mitchell was a rapid learner. Her father believed in equal education for both men and women, which is why he became a mentor to Maria Mitchell. William Mitchell taught Maria mathematics and the concepts of navigation. When Maria was 12 she calculated the locations of multiple places, including her home. When she was only 14 years old, Maria as able to do navigational computations for whaling journeys that usually professionals do. She primarily learned the basics of astronomy from her father and later on began to teach herself more about astronomy. Starting by observing the sky on the roof of her father’s office to becoming a librarian, Mitchell gave herself an advanced education. Maria continued her private study for 20 more years indicating that despite what society thought of women she was not going to stop her learning and study of the sky.

            The discovery of a new comet brought Maria Mitchell worldwide fame. What fascinated the audience the most was that she only used a 2-inch telescope to find a new comet. This discovery brought her a gold medal from the King of Denmark and an award from the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 1848.        However, Maria Mitchell was more than an astronomer, she was an activist. Due to her achievements she was nominated as president of the Association for the Advancement of Women in 1873. Her goal was to teach women to surpass stereotypes that were imposed on them by society. She wanted to achieve her goal by teaching women how to become successful astronomer like her. In the year 1865, she became a professor of astronomy in the Vassar College. As a professor, Maria Mitchell taught her students concepts her father taught her as well as how to direct observations. Her imagination of becoming a successful astronomer not only reflects her achievements but, most importantly, her goals.

            Today, Maria Mitchell has libraries and schools named after her. She has become the first woman to be elected as a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the American Philosophical Society, and the American Ephemeris and Nautical Almanac.  She has opened the first institution in America that gave a higher education for women. Maria Mitchell’s accomplishments are extraordinary for a woman who is living in a time where men and women were not equal. The Maria Mitchell Astronomical Observatory was built to portray Mitchell’s hard work and the imagination that she had. Her story shows what women are capable of achieving if they were given a chance.