History: Women of Astronomy and Space

This captivating course delves into the remarkable contributions of women in astronomy and space exploration, from ancient times to the modern era.

We begin our journey with Aganice of Thessaly, a Greek astronomer from the 2nd or 1st century BC, whose work laid early foundations for astronomical study. Moving forward, we explore the life and contributions of Hypatia of Alexandria (370 – 450 AD), a mathematician and astronomer whose legacy endures despite the tragic end of her life.

The course then highlights Elisabeth Hevelius of the 17th century, often overshadowed by her husband, yet crucial to their joint astronomical work. The 18th century brought us Caroline Herschel, the first woman to discover a comet and a pivotal figure in her brother William Herschel’s groundbreaking discoveries.

We continue with the extraordinary story of ‘Pickering’s Women’ at Harvard in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a group of female astronomers and mathematicians who made significant contributions to the field under the guidance of Edward Charles Pickering.

In the modern age, we celebrate the achievements of Annie Easley, a computer scientist and mathematician, and Katherine Johnson, whose calculations were critical to the success of early spaceflights. We also honor Astronaut Sally Ride, the first American woman in space, and Mae Jemison, the first African American woman to travel into space.

Join us to rediscover these unsung heroines and their inspiring legacies.