by Ann » Sun Sep 04, 2011 3:29 pm
islader2, thank you for speaking up for Caroline Herschel! She is one of the great underappreciated females in astronomy.
I checked her up at wikipedia, and as you said, she was born in Hanover. Were you born there, too?
The wiki article says this, among other things, about Caroline Herschel:
Caroline possessed incredible dexterity [3] in polishing mirrors and mounting telescopes involving astonishing discipline and dexterity which Wilhelm did not have. Therefore he depended on her support and presence. With time, Caroline learned to copy astronomical catalogues and other publications that Wilhelm had borrowed. She also learned to record, reduce, and organize her brother’s astronomical observations. She recognized that this work demanded speed and accuracy rather than understanding. However, at William’s insistence, Caroline began to make observations on her own in 1782.[4] This insistence led to many accomplishments. Caroline no longer had to depend solely on her singing to gain satisfaction; rather she was able to contribute to society far more than she thought she would. Wilhelm was labeled an astronomer; however, Caroline Herschel was an astronomer in her own right. After taking her brother’s advice to understand astronomy, she discovered more than half a dozen comets in the 1780s and 1790s [5] that several are named after her in some way. Throughout her writings, she repeatedly makes it clear that she desires to earn an independent wage. When this is rewarded by the state for her assistance to her brother, she becomes the first woman—at a time when even men rarely received wages for scientific enterprises—to receive a salary for services to science.
Well done, Caroline!!
Where is the clap, clap smilie?
Ann
[quote="islader2"]:x :x :cry: dickhenry==I regret that no one on this "blog" picked up on your request about Caroline. She is honored in the sky. My interest in Caroline comes about because was born in Hanover, where I had the opportunity to meet distant members of never-wed Caroline. There is a wiki entry on her. Thanx.[/quote]
islader2, thank you for speaking up for Caroline Herschel! She is one of the great underappreciated females in astronomy.
I checked her up at wikipedia, and as you said, she was born in Hanover. Were you born there, too?
The wiki article says this, among other things, about Caroline Herschel:
[quote] Caroline possessed incredible dexterity [3] in polishing mirrors and mounting telescopes involving astonishing discipline and dexterity which Wilhelm did not have. Therefore he depended on her support and presence. With time, Caroline learned to copy astronomical catalogues and other publications that Wilhelm had borrowed. She also learned to record, reduce, and organize her brother’s astronomical observations. She recognized that this work demanded speed and accuracy rather than understanding. However, at William’s insistence, Caroline began to make observations on her own in 1782.[4] This insistence led to many accomplishments. Caroline no longer had to depend solely on her singing to gain satisfaction; rather she was able to contribute to society far more than she thought she would. Wilhelm was labeled an astronomer; however, Caroline Herschel was an astronomer in her own right. After taking her brother’s advice to understand astronomy, she discovered more than half a dozen comets in the 1780s and 1790s [5] that several are named after her in some way. Throughout her writings, she repeatedly makes it clear that she desires to earn an independent wage. When this is rewarded by the state for her assistance to her brother, she becomes the first woman—at a time when even men rarely received wages for scientific enterprises—to receive a salary for services to science.[/quote]
Well done, Caroline!! :D Where is the clap, clap smilie?
Ann