First Woman to Discover a Comet

Born on this date in Germany in 1750, Caroline Herschel was denied an education. At age ten, she was stunted by childhood typhus. Her mother thought it best for her to stay home where she could cook and clean.

She eventually joined her brother William in England where she trained and performed as a singer. She later became her brother’s research assistant when he was appointed court astronomer. William was later knighted for his work (which included his discovery of Uranus).

Caroline also came into her own as an astronomer; becoming the first woman to discover a comet. Herschel discovered seven more comets in her lifetime as well as three nebuli.

She was considered the first professional female astronomer. At the age of 77, she was given a gold medal by the Royal Astronomical Society.