Caroline Herschel

Caroline Herschel was an 18th and 19th-century German astronomer, renowned for her significant contributions to astronomy alongside her brother, Sir William Herschel. Born in 1750, she became the first woman to discover a comet, identifying eight during her career. Caroline also assisted her brother in his observations, helping to improve telescopes and compiling stellar catalogs, which advanced the field. In recognition of her work, she was awarded a salary for her contributions—an unusual honor for women of her time. Her achievements paved the way for future women in science, highlighting her vital role in the history of astronomy.