Women of the Stars

Twenty-three remarkable astronomers who have changed our perceptions of the Cosmos

Introduction

The recipe for a woman’s career in astronomy includes luck and merit in unequal amounts, spread out unevenly over the course of a career. Start with a childhood fascination with the night sky and a desire to learn all about it. Add the support of a mentor and family members, persistence, and a good web page. Simmer. Take note of any anger, frustration, disbelief, or heartache that may percolate to the top. Skim it off if it appears, but keep in mind that the lessons imparted can enhance future decision-making. Continue simmering ingredients on low heat until retirement. The result will be a career’s worth of highs and lows, ending with the satisfaction of having advanced the field of astronomy socially, through mentoring and teaching, and scientifically, via contributions to successful studies of the objects in our universe.

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Difficulties and Successes

The path to becoming a woman astronomer has historically been and continues to be challenging, marked by issues of gender bias, discrimination, and a struggle for recognition and equal opportunities. Historical context:• Limited Access and Recognition: For centuries, women faced significant barriers to accessing education and professional roles in astronomy. Often, their contributions were undervalued or attributed to male colleagues or family members (e.g., Caroline Herschel).• "Human Computers": Many talented women were employed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as "human computers," meticulously analyzing data and making calculations, but receiving limited recognition or opportunities for advancement.• Pioneering Women: Despite the obstacles, women like Maria Mitchell, the first American woman to hold a professorship in astronomy, and Annie Jump Cannon, who developed a groundbreaking stellar classification system, made significant contributions that paved the way for future generations. Contemporary challenges:• Harassment and Discrimination: Studies reveal that women in astronomy continue to experience harassment and discrimination at alarmingly high rates, particularly women of color.• Underrepresentation: While the number of women earning astronomy PhDs is slowly increasing, underrepresentation persists, particularly in leadership positions.• Bias in Publication and Funding: Research indicates that articles authored by women may receive fewer citations than those by men, and women face disparities in receiving telescope time and research funding.• Work-Life Balance: Societal expectations regarding family responsibilities disproportionately impact women in STEM fields, affecting career progression and retention.• Lack of Role Models and Mentorship: The scarcity of women in senior STEM positions limits the availability of mentors and role models, which can deter aspiring female astronomers. Moving forward:• Policies to Address Bias: Implementing policies such as blind hiring practices, diversity and inclusion training, and robust procedures for reporting harassment and discrimination are essential.• Creating Inclusive Environments: Fostering a culture that values diversity, promotes equitable opportunities, and provides resources for underrepresented groups is crucial.• Mentorship and Support Networks: Strong mentorship programs and supportive networks can help women navigate challenges and advance their careers.• Promoting Awareness: Openly discussing the issues and celebrating the contributions of women in astronomy helps to raise awareness and inspire future generations.
The journey to becoming a woman astronomer has historically required immense dedication and resilience in the face of significant obstacles. While progress has been made, creating a truly inclusive and equitable environment remains a priority, requiring continued effort and commitment from individuals and institutions within the astronomical community.
EnHeduanna
Aglaonike of Thessaly
Hypatia

10 Early Women Astronomers: Print Resources

1. EnHeduanna BIOGRAPHY: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enheduanna OVERVIEW: http://womeninastronomy.blogspot.com/2013/05/enheduanna-our-first-great-scientist.htmlBIOGRAPHY: http://www.ancient-origins.net/history-famous-people/enheduanna-high-priestess-moon-and-first-known-author-world-007259
2. Aglaonike of Thessaly ANCIENT WOMEN IN THE SCIENCES: http://nautil.us/blog/its-time-these-ancient-women-scientists-get-their-dueBIOGRAPHY: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aglaonice 3. Hypatia BIOGRAPHY: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypatia BIOGRAPHY: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Hypatia BIOGRAPHY: https://www.ancient.eu/Hypatia_of_Alexandria/ ASTRONOMER: http://www.spacedaily.com/reports/Hypatia_4th_Century_Woman_Astronomer_999.html 4. Queen Seondeok of Korea BIOGRAPHY: https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Queen_Seondeok_of_Silla BIOGRAPHY: https://www.ancient.eu/Queen_Seondeok/ASTRONOMICAL OBSERVATORY: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cheomseongdae 5. Caroline Lucretia Herschel BIOGRAPHY: https://www.space.com/17439-caroline-herschel.htmlARTICLE (with VIDEO): https://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/2016/03/15/who-is-caroline-herschel-the-cinderella-tale-of-a-pioneering-fem/ EUROPEAN SPACE AGENCY OVERVIEW: http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Space_Science/Herschel/Caroline_and_William_Herschel_Revealing_the_invisible
6. Maria Mitchell OVERVIEW: https://www.space.com/34709-maria-mitchell-astronomer-feminist.html BIOGRAPHY CHANNEL OVERVIEW: https://www.biography.com/people/maria-mitchell-9410353 BIOGRAPHY: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maria_Mitchell OVERVIEW: https://www.cnet.com/pictures/the-harvard-computers-who-changed-astronomy/3/ 7. Williamina Paton Stevens FlemingBIOGRAPHY: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Williamina_FlemingBIOGRAPHY OVERVIEW: https://scientificwomen.net/women/fleming-williamina-37 OVERVIEW: https://www.harvardmagazine.com/2016/12/williamina-fleming 8. Annie Jump Cannon BIOGRAPHY CHANNEL OVERVIEW: https://www.biography.com/people/annie-jump-cannon-9236960CAREER: https://www.space.com/34707-annie-jump-cannon-biography.htmlBIOGRAPHY: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Annie_Jump_Cannon
9. Antonia MauryBIOGRAPHY: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antonia_Maury TIME MAGAZINE ARTICLE: http://time.com/4262838/antonia-maury-astronomer/ VASAR ALUMNI BIOGRAPHY: https://vcencyclopedia.vassar.edu/distinguished-alumni/antonia-maury/ 10. Henrietta Swan Leavitt MEASURING STELLAR DISTANCES: https://www.space.com/34708-henrietta-swan-leavitt-biography.htmlBIOGRAPHY: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Henrietta-Swan-LeavittOVERVIEW: https://www.famousscientists.org/henrietta-swan-leavitt/

Thumbnail Sketches of Ten Early Women Astronomers

EnHeduanna, whose name means "High Priestess, Ornament of Heaven", was a princess of Akkad and the High Priestess of the moon god Nanna in the ancient Sumerian city-state of Ur during the reign of her father, Sargon of Akkad (circa 2334–2279 BCE). She is widely recognized as the earliest named author in world history and the first known astronomer. Aglaonice, also known as Aglaonike or Aganice of Thessaly, was a fascinating figure from Ancient Greece. She is considered the first known female astronomer in ancient Greece. Aglaonice predicted lunar eclipses by understanding cycles such as the Saros cycle. This is an approximately 18-year cycle of lunar eclipses documented by ancient Babylonian astronomers. Hypatia of Alexandria (born c. 350-370 AD, died 415 AD) was a Neoplatonist philosopher, mathematician, and astronomer who lived and taught in Alexandria, Egypt. She is recognized as the first female mathematician with a well-documented life. Her father, Theon, also a mathematician, likely educated her in mathematics, rhetoric, and philosophy. Hypatia was a celebrated lecturer known for her intelligence and charisma, attracting students from across the Roman Empire. Queen Seondeok (606–647 CE) was the first reigning queen of Silla, one of the Three Kingdoms of Korea. She ascended to the throne in 632 CE and reigned until her death in 647 CE. Queen Seondeok was a strong advocate for culture and learning. A testament to her commitment to science and advancement, she oversaw the construction of Cheomseongdae, the oldest astronomical observatory in East Asia. Caroline Herschel (1750-1848) was a significant German astronomer known for her discoveries and collaborations. Her notable contributions include: Discovering several comets, such as 35P/Herschel-Rigollet; working alongside her brother, William Herschel, on powerful telescopes; creating catalogues of stars and nebulae and updating the British Catalogue of Stars; becoming the first woman to be paid for scientific work and hold a government position in England; being awarded the Gold Medal of the Royal Astronomical Society (1828) and honorary membership (1835). Maria Mitchell (1818-1889) was a pioneering American astronomer, librarian, naturalist, and educator, best known as the first professional female astronomer in the United States. On October 1, 1847, Mitchell made the groundbreaking discovery of a comet that would later be named C/1847 T1, also known as "Miss Mitchell's Comet." This achievement earned her international recognition and a gold medal from King Christian VIII of Denmark in 1848. She was the first American and the first woman to receive this award in astronomy. In 1865, Mitchell shattered societal norms by becoming the first female professor of astronomy at Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, New York. She was also the director of the Vassar College Observatory. Williamina Fleming (1857-1911) was a Scottish-American astronomer whose journey from a household maid to a prominent figure at the Harvard College Observatory (HCO) exemplifies her intelligence, perseverance, and remarkable contributions to the field of astronomy. At the HCO, Fleming became a central figure in the team of women astronomers, often referred to as "computers," hired to analyze and classify the growing collection of stellar photographs. Fleming's diligence and keen eye for detail allowed her to develop a system for classifying stars based on their spectral characteristics. Fleming was instrumental in the creation of the first Henry Draper Catalogue, which classified over 10,000 stars, with the majority of classifications done by her. In 1888, Fleming made one of her most famous discoveries: identifying the Horsehead Nebula, a striking dark nebula in the constellation Orion, on a Harvard photographic plate. Over her 30-year career, Fleming discovered 10 novae, 310 variable stars, and 59 gaseous nebulae, demonstrating her exceptional ability in a field where discovering even a single variable star was considered noteworthy for most astronomers. She also recognized the existence of hot, earth-sized stars that would later be dubbed white dwarfs. Annie Jump Cannon (1863 – 1941) was a deaf American astronomer whose cataloging work was instrumental in the development of contemporary stellar classification. With Edward C. Pickering, she is credited with the creation of the Harvard Classification Scheme, which was the first serious attempt to organize and classify stars based on their temperatures and spectral types. During her 44-year career, she received many “firsts”: first female recipient of an honorary doctorate from Oxford, first elected woman officer of the American Astronomical Society, etc.. In 1911 she was named Curator of Astronomical Photographs at HCO. In 1938, two years before retirement, she finally obtained a regular appointment from Harvard as William C. Bond Astronomer. Antonia Maury (1866-1952) was an American astronomer renowned for her groundbreaking work in stellar classification and her study of binary stars. Maury joined the Harvard College Observatory in 1888 as a "computer," analyzing stellar spectra for the Henry Draper Catalogue project. She developed a classification scheme that organized stars into 22 groups based on temperature, luminosity, and density. Maury was the first to detect and calculate the orbit of a binary star. She dedicated years to studying the mysteries of binary systems. Maury famously insisted on receiving proper credit for her work, especially in journals and at conferences, a stance uncommon for women scientists of her time. Henrietta Swan Leavitt (1868–1921) was a groundbreaking American astronomer who revolutionized our understanding of the universe's vastness. Working as a "human computer" at the Harvard College Observatory, she made a monumental discovery about a type of star called Cepheid variables. Leavitt discovered that Cepheid variable stars, which pulsate and vary in brightness, have a direct correlation between their period of pulsation and their intrinsic luminosity (actual brightness). This meant that by observing how quickly a Cepheid pulsed, astronomers could determine its true brightness, and therefore its distance from Earth. This discovery was crucial because it provided astronomers with a way to measure distances in space far beyond what was previously possible. Leavitt suffered from chronic illness throughout her life, which caused progressive deafness.
Queen Seondeok
Caroline Herschel
Maria Mitchell
Williamina Fleming
Annie Jump Cannon
Antonia Maury
Henrietta Swan Leavitt
Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin
Nancy Roman

13 Recent Women Astronomers: Print Resources

11. Cecilia Helena Payne-Gaposchkin BIOGRAPHY: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cecilia_Payne-Gaposchkin BIOGRAPHY: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Cecilia-Payne-Gaposchkin OVERVIEW: https://www.aps.org/publications/apsnews/201501/physicshistory.cfm 12. Nancy Roman BIOGRAPHY: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nancy_Roman NASA BIOGRAPHY: https://www.nasa.gov/image-feature/dr-nancy-grace-roman-astronomer OVERVIEW: https://scientificwomen.net/women/roman-nancy-119 OVERVIEW: https://www.aauw.org/resources/faces-of-aauw/nancy-grace-roman-the-life-and-legacy-of-a-nasa-star/ 13. Vera Rubin BIOGRAPHY: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vera_Rubin AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY: https://www.amnh.org/explore/resource-collections/cosmic-horizons/profile-vera-rubin-and-dark-matter/ ASTRONOMY MAGAZINE: http://www.astronomy.com/news/2016/10/vera-rubin RUBIN OBSERVATORY: https://rubinobservatory.org/ 14. Carolyn Shoemaker BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Carolyn-Shoemaker BIOGRAPHY: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carolyn_S._Shoemaker OVERVIEW: https://science.nasa.gov/people/carolyn-shoemaker/ 15. Jocelyn Burnell BIOGRAPHY CHANNEL OVERVIEW: https://www.biography.com/people/jocelyn-bell-burnell-9206018 NEW YORKER MAGAZINE: https://www.newyorker.com/tech/elements/the-astronomer-jocelyn-bell-burnell-looks-back-on-her-cosmic-legacy OVERLOOKED FOR NOBEL PRIZE: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/science/11941453/Female-physicist-overlooked-for-Nobel-Prize-finally-receives-recognition-as-Woman-of-the-Year.html 16. Margaret Geller BIOGRAPHY: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Margaret_Geller DISCRIMINATION (SCIENCE MAGAZINE): http://www.sciencemag.org/careers/1999/11/margaret-geller-battling-discrimination-or-bureaucracy AUDIO SHOW ABOUT: https://www.astronomycast.com/2014/12/ep-359-modern-women-margaret-geller/#transcript 17. Carolyn Porco BIOGRAPHY: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carolyn_Porco SPACE.COM (Saturn): https://www.space.com/788-carolyn-porco-keeping-eye-saturn.html AUDIOI SHOW ABOUT: https://www.astronomycast.com/2015/01/ep-362-modern-women-carolyn-porco/ 18. Laura Danly BIOGRAPHY: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laura_Danly INTERVIEW: http://www.laobserved.com/archive/2012/04/qa_with_griffith_observat.php 19. Michelle Lynn Thaller BIOGRAPHY: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michelle_Thaller NASA: https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/people/1040/michelle-thaller/ 20. Beth Brown BIOGRAPHY: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beth_A._Brown APS (American Physical Society) OVERVIEW: https://www.aps.org/careers/physicists/profiles/brown.cfm 21. Jedidah Isler BIOGRAPHY: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jedidah_Isler ISLER’S WEBSITE: https://www.jedidahislerphd.com/ SHORT INTERVIW (with video): https://www.pbs.org/newshour/brief/289083/jedidah-isler 22. Jill Tarter BIOGRAPHY: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jill_Tarter THE ATLANTIC (Article): https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2017/07/seti-jill-tarter/533322/ ASTRONOMY MAGAZINE (Article): http://www.astronomy.com/news/2017/07/jill-tarter-seti-search 23. Andrea Ghez BIOGRAPHY: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrea_M._Ghez FACULTY WEBPAGE (UCLA): https://www.astro.ucla.edu/~ghez/ NOBEL PRIZE WEBSITE: https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/physics/2020/ghez/facts/

Thumbnail Sketches of Thirteen Recent Women Astronomers

Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin (1900–1979) was a British-born American astronomer and astrophysicist known for her groundbreaking work on the composition of stars. Her discoveries challenged prevailing scientific thought and laid the foundation for modern astrophysics. In Payne-Gaposchkin's revolutionary 1925 doctoral thesis she determined that stars, including the sun, are primarily composed of hydrogen and helium, rather than the heavier elements previously assumed to be dominant. In collaboration with her husband, Russian astronomer Sergei Gaposchkin, she also made significant contributions to the study of variable stars. Their research helped us understand the evolution of stars and galactic structure. Payne-Gaposchkin faced significant gender discrimination throughout her career. She was not eligible to receive a degree from Cambridge University, where she completed her studies, because they did not grant degrees to women until 1948. Similarly, at Harvard, she initially held a lesser position despite fulfilling the duties of a professor. It wasn't until 1956 that she became the first woman to be appointed full professor and chair of the Astronomy Department at Harvard. Nancy Grace Roman (1925-2018) was a pioneering American astronomer and a key figure in establishing NASA's space astronomy program. Her most notable achievement was her instrumental role in the development of the Hubble Space Telescope, earning her the nickname "Mother of Hubble.” Roman was the first woman to hold an executive position at NASA and served as the first Chief of Astronomy in the Office of Space Science. The Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope set to launch in 2026 will be NASA's next-generation infrared space telescope. This telescope will address fundamental questions about dark energy, exoplanets, and infrared astrophysics. Roman's generous bequest to the American Association of University Women (AAUW) continues to support young women and girls pursuing STEM careers. Vera Rubin (1928 – 2016) was a groundbreaking American astronomer whose work provided crucial evidence for the existence of dark matter, a mysterious, unseen substance that makes up a significant portion of the universe's mass. Rubin's research revolutionized our understanding of the cosmos and paved the way for generations of scientists, particularly women in astronomy. Rubin's legacy lives on in the Vera C. Rubin Observatory in Chile, the first U.S. national observatory named after a woman. The observatory will continue her work of mapping the universe and unraveling the mysteries of dark matter and dark energy. Carolyn Shoemaker (1929-2021) was an American astronomer, renowned for her significant contributions to the discovery of comets and asteroids. She holds the distinction of discovering or co-discovering 32 comets and hundreds of asteroids, including the famous Shoemaker-Levy 9 comet that collided with Jupiter in 1994. Her work, often conducted alongside her husband, geologist Eugene Shoemaker, dramatically increased the known number of comets and asteroids and highlighted the potential impact threat posed by these celestial bodies. Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell is a renowned astrophysicist from Northern Ireland, whose discovery of pulsars revolutionized the field of astronomy. Despite her crucial role in the discovery, the 1974 Nobel Prize in Physics for the discovery of pulsars was awarded to her supervisor, Antony Hewish, and another astronomer, Martin Ryle. This omission sparked debate and criticism, with some arguing that Bell Burnell's gender and student status played a role in the Nobel Committee's decision. However, Bell Burnell has publicly stated that she felt the Nobel Prize decision was appropriate given her student status at the time. Bell Burnell is currently a Visiting Professor of Astrophysics at the University of Oxford, a Professorial Fellow at Mansfield College, and the Chancellor of the University of Dundee. She continues to be a vocal advocate for women and diversity in STEM fields. Margaret J. Geller is a renowned American astrophysicist known for her groundbreaking work in mapping the distribution of galaxies in the universe and for her contributions to understanding the large-scale structure of the cosmos. She has received many awards, is a member of the National Academy of Sciences, and holds seven honorary degrees. Geller's work has significantly shaped our understanding of the universe's structure and the distribution of galaxies, leaving a lasting legacy in astrophysics and cosmology. Carolyn Porco is a renowned American planetary scientist known for her groundbreaking work in the exploration of the outer solar system, particularly her expertise on planetary rings and the moon Enceladus. Porco served as a veteran imaging scientist on the Voyager mission, contributing significantly to our understanding of the outer planets - Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. Notably, she helped produce the famous "Pale Blue Dot" image of Earth from Voyager 1. She led the Cassini Imaging Science team, which played a pivotal role in revealing the intricate details of Saturn's rings and moons. Her work elucidated the behavior of the rings, demonstrating how planetary rings can act as a seismograph to reveal a planet's internal structure. The mission, under her leadership, made crucial discoveries about Enceladus, finding geysers of icy particles erupting from its south pole, hinting at the possibility of a habitable environment. Porco is an associate member of the New Horizons mission to Pluto and the Kuiper Belt. Laura Danly is an American astronomer and academic, widely known for her expertise and contributions to the field of astronomy and science communication. Danly held various academic positions, including at the University of Denver and Pomona College. She also served as the first Curator of Space Sciences at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science and held a role at the American Museum of Natural History. From 2006 until her retirement in December 2020, she was the Curator of the Griffith Observatory. Danly's research involves extensive observational experience, and she co-authored the Baltimore Charter for Women in Astronomy. She is active in science communication, appearing on documentary series and producing planetarium shows. Michelle Lynn Thaller is an American astronomer, research scientist, and science communicator known for her work at NASA and for her public outreach efforts in astronomy. Thaller worked at NASA for 27 years, retiring in 2024. From 1998 to 2009, she was the public outreach lead for the Spitzer Space Telescope at JPL. In 2009, she became the Assistant Director for Science Communication at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), later serving as Deputy Director from 2015, where she represented various NASA science themes. Thaller is a recognized spokesperson for science and astronomy. She has hosted the Discovery Science Channel's "How the Universe Works" and appeared on other shows like "The Universe" and "Strip the Cosmos". She also hosted the podcast "Orbital Path" and has given two TEDx talks on astronomy. Thaller has received awards for science journalism and leadership and contributed to the video podcast series "IRrelevant Astronomy". She regularly engages with policymakers and international staff. Michelle Thaller's dedication to making science accessible and engaging has made her a notable figure in astronomy and science communication. Beth A. Brown (1969-2008) was a pioneering astrophysicist and passionate advocate for science education and diversity in STEM fields. She earned degrees in astrophysics from Howard University and a Ph.D. in astronomy from the University of Michigan, where she was the first African-American woman to achieve this distinction. Brown's research focused on X-ray studies of elliptical galaxies and black holes. Her career at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center included a postdoctoral fellowship, work at the National Space Science Data Center, and roles as an Astrophysics Fellow and visiting assistant professor at Howard University. She developed a popular "Naked Eye Astronomy" course at the University of Michigan and participated in NASA's public outreach efforts, including the Multiwavelength Milky Way project. She actively encouraged women and minorities to pursue careers in physics and astronomy, holding leadership positions in organizations like the National Society of Black Physicists. Jedidah Isler is an American astrophysicist, educator, and advocate for diversity in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Notably, she became the first African American woman to earn a Ph.D. in astrophysics from Yale University in 2014. Isler's scientific research focuses on blazars, a type of active galactic nucleus featuring supermassive black holes at their centers, producing powerful particle jets. As of January 2025, she was the Chief Science Officer at the Federation of American Scientists. Jill Tarter is a renowned American astronomer, best known for her groundbreaking work in the field of the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI). She co-founded the SETI Institute and is the former director of the Center for SETI Research. Tarter currently holds the Bernard M. Oliver Chair for SETI at the SETI Institute and serves on its Board of Trustees. Her dedicated career has significantly influenced various aspects of astrobiology and the search for intelligent life beyond Earth. Her work and passion inspired the character of Ellie Arroway in Carl Sagan's novel Contact.
Vera Rubin
Carolyn Shoemaker
Jocelyn Burnell
Margaret Geller
Carolyn Porco
Laura Danly

Twenty-Three Women Astronomers: Video Resources

EnHeduanna: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XhNw1BhV6sw EnHeduanna: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_4UVlubKxk&t=2s Aglaonike of Thessaly: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1RqWEhgWlU&t=13s Aglaonike of Thessaly: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLwraemyvc0 Hypatia: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n1mwZrVJ-TI&t=12s Hypatia: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SselOJQd2_4 Queen Seondeok: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMdFOHiyjrg&t=4s Queen Seondeok: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9BBO-n3AAE0 Carolyn Herschel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gsAAvXxGo8k Carolyn Herschel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Lp7g-3mgi4 Caroline Herschel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yxyWdw8IQog&t=1s Maria Mitchell: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6PNt9j0aqqY Maria Mitchell: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ducWkd83TuM Williamina Fleming: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=He5uXbS3nQQ Williamina Fleming: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jXTQjX2tlak Annie Jump Cannon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51JSzU53z4Q&t=2s Annie Jump Cannon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FwT2JkjMJNA Annie Jump Cannon (ASL Version): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wAkdeTxaAd0 Antonia Maury: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vyHz2WNRiIA Henrietta Swan Leavitt: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2FrY6gRPC7k Henrietta Swan Leavitt: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70cFwfNW7gQ Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_qF-jTY2zY Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B2PUStoc09A Nancy Roman: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m5fC3FIUngk&t=1s Nancy Roman (Space Telescope): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EiTby2Lku8&t=231s Vera Rubin: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ywppy_2M03I&t=162s Vera Rubin (Observatory): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wd2hL3yI_-E&t=24s Vera Rubin: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SzAq60VvbXw Carolyn Shoemaker: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_AADENDV2Z8 Carolyn Shoemaker (Griffth Observatory Memorial): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5GOUkgNW3vQ Jocelyn Burnell: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_3zNw91MSY Jocelyn Burnell (Berkeley Lecture): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nxiMfYWD8Ss Jocelyn Burnell: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xvlLoXSL21I Margaret Geller: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8c3lM8v68Hw Margaret Geller: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BLgMzMCis20 Carolyn Porco: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dbnt34Wj4ek Carolyn Porco: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=73RqXZq7xNI Laura Danly: On Planet Earth and Our Soil: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6tJIkAjDjjo Laura Danly (retirement tribute): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JahMNaqkM28 Michelle Thaller: PBS: NOVA SCIENCE NOW. Short video clips. http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/blogs/secretlife/space-science/michelle-thaller/ Michelle Thaller: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBPrpoHhdrE&t=1s Michelle Thaller (on grief): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oh6EEskE-xA Beth Brown: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJMCocc1-7k Beth Brown (Part 1): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KfJMVDjf6dk Beth Brown (Part 2): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I8IFd6PRv3g Jedidah Isler: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XzZJuEDQ1a0 Jedidah Isler: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bAGPi6tBwZ0 Jedidah Isler: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3NdSVi38RM8 Jill Tarter: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-akFLFLgAk Jill Tarter: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PoL4IlCXDsM&t=7s Jill Tarter: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EszGIvRdgTE&t=39s Andrea Ghez: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tiNrP6xysIU Andrea Ghez: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N6QIllAjUcQ
Michelle Thaller
Beth Brown
Jedidah Isler
Jill Tater
Andrea Ghez
? You ?

General Resources

Cheomseongdae, South Korea
Lowell Observatory, Arizona, USA
Harvard College Observatory, Massachusetts, USA

World's Oldest Observatories

The oldest proto-observatories, in the sense of an observation post for astronomy: • Wurdi Youang, Australia • Zorats Karer, Karahunj, Armenia • Loughcrew, Ireland • Newgrange, Ireland • Stonehenge, Great Britain • Chankillo, Peru • El Caracol, Mexico • Abu Simbel, Egypt • Kokino, Kumanovo, North Macedonia • Observatory at Rhodes, Greece • Goseck circle, Germany • Ujjain, India • Arkaim, Russia • Cheomseongdae, South Korea • Angkor Wat, Cambodia The oldest true observatories, in the sense of a specialized research institute, include: • 825 AD: Al-Shammisiyyah observatory, Baghdad, Iraq • 869: Mahodayapuram Observatory, Kerala, India • 1259: Maragheh observatory, Azerbaijan, Iran • 1276: Gaocheng Astronomical Observatory, China • 1420: Ulugh Beg Observatory, Samarqand, Uzbekistan • 1442: Beijing Ancient Observatory, China • 1577: Constantinople Observatory of Taqi ad-Din, Turkey • 1580: Uraniborg, Denmark • 1581: Stjerneborg, Denmark • 1633: Leiden Observatory, Netherlands • 1642: Panzano Observatory, Italy • 1642: Round Tower, Denmark • 1667: Paris Observatory, France • 1675: Royal Greenwich Observatory, England • 1695: Sukharev Tower, Russia • 1711: Berlin Observatory, Germany • 1724: Jantar Mantar, India • 1753: Stockholm Observatory, Sweden • 1753: Vilnius University Observatory, Lithuania • 1753: Real Instituto y Observatorio de la Armada, Spain[18] • 1759: Trieste Observatory, Italy. • 1757: Macfarlane Observatory, Scotland. • 1759: Turin Observatory, Italy. • 1764: Brera Astronomical Observatory, Italy. • 1765: Mohr Observatory, Indonesia. • 1771: Lviv Observatory, Ukraine. • 1774: Observatory of the Vatican, Italy. • 1785: Dunsink Observatory, Ireland. • 1786: Madras Observatory, India. • 1789: Armagh Observatory, Northern Ireland. • 1790: Royal Observatory of Madrid, Spain, • 1803: National Astronomical Observatory, Bogotá, Colombia. • 1811: Tartu Old Observatory, Estonia • 1812: Astronomical Observatory of Capodimonte, Naples, Italy • 1830/1842: Depot of Charts & Instruments/US Naval Observatory, USA • 1830: Yale University Observatory Atheneum, USA • 1834: Helsinki University Observatory, Finland • 1838: Hopkins Observatory, Williams College, USA • 1838: Loomis Observatory, Western Reserve Academy, USA • 1839: Pulkovo Observatory, Russia • 1842: Cincinnati Observatory, USA • 1844: Georgetown University Astronomical Observatory, USA • 1847: Harvard College Observatory, USA • 1854: Detroit Observatory, USA • 1873: Quito Astronomical Observatory, Ecuador • 1878: Lisbon Astronomical Observatory, Portugal • 1884: McCormick Observatory, USA • 1888: Lick Observatory, USA • 1890: Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, USA • 1894: Lowell Observatory, USA • 1895: Theodor Jacobsen Observatory, USA • 1897: Yerkes Observatory, USA • 1899: Kodaikanal Solar Observatory, India
Margaret Burbidge
Eleanor Margaret Burbidge (1919 – 2020) was a British-American observational astronomer and astrophysicist.
Maria Luisa Aguilar
María Luisa Aguilar Hurtado (1938 - 2015), was the first professional astronomer of Peru.
Merieme Chadid
Merieme Chadid (born 1969) is a Moroccan-French astronomer, explorer, and astrophysicist.

Women Astronomers of the World: A Sample

Around the World: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_women_astronomers General: https://daily.jstor.org/eight-women-astronomers-you-should-know/ General: https://www.space.com/trailblazing-women-in-astronomy-astrophysics British: https://blog.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/2022/07/04/women-astronomers-from-history/ Italy: https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-022-01665-4 Italy: https://arxiv.org/ftp/arxiv/papers/1402/1402.1952.pdf Peru: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mar%C3%ADa_Luisa_Aguilar Morocco/France: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merieme_Chadid America-UK: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Margaret_Burbidge Netherlands: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ingrid_van_Houten-Groeneveld Australia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lisa_Kewley Turkey: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bur%C3%A7in_Mutlu-Pakdil Finland: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liisi_Oterma Argentina: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marta_Graciela_Rovira Iran: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alenush_Terian China: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wang_Zhenyi_(astronomer)