Maria Mitchell

Maria Mitchell was an American astronomer born in 1818 on Nantucket Island. She is best known for discovering a comet in 1847, which became known as "Miss Mitchell's Comet." As the first woman to work as a professional astronomer in the United States, she broke barriers for women in science. Throughout her career, she advocated for women's education in astronomy and other fields. Mitchell was a keen observer of celestial bodies and contributed to scientific knowledge while inspiring future generations of female scientists. She was also involved in social issues, including women's suffrage. She passed away in 1889.