(1818 - 1889)
was taught the basics of astronomy by her father growing up in
nantucket. in 1847, she discovered and mapped the orbit of a new
comet and was instantly
famous, receiving an award from the King of
Denmark for her accomplishment. Other honours she received as a result include:
- membership in the American Academy of Arts and Sciences (the first woman to be granted membership).
- membership in the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
in 1865, mitchell accepted a potision at
vassar college and became director of their
observatory and a professor of
astronomy. in 1869, mitchell was inducted into the American Philosophical Society and in 1873, mitchell founded the Association for the Advancement of Women.