Born: 1929 (Gallup, New Mexico)
Died: 2021
Biography:
Carolyn Jean Spellmann Shoemaker (June 24, 1929 – August 13, 2021) was an American astronomer who made significant contributions to the field of astronomy. She is best known as a co-discoverer of Comet Shoemaker–Levy 9 and for her extensive work on comets and asteroids. Shoemaker’s career in astronomy began when she demonstrated exceptional stereoscopic vision, a valuable quality for observing objects in near-Earth space.
Born in Gallup, New Mexico, on June 24, 1929, to Hazel and Leonard Spellmann, Carolyn Shoemaker grew up in Chico, California, alongside her brother Richard. She developed a passion for learning and earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in history, political science, and English literature from Chico State. It was during her brother’s time at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) that Shoemaker met Eugene Gene Shoemaker, a young graduate student who would later become her husband.
After Richard’s wedding, Carolyn and Gene maintained a pen pal relationship while he pursued his doctoral degree at Princeton University. Ultimately, their bond grew stronger, and they married on August 18, 1951. The couple had three children: Christy, Linda, and Patrick (Pat). Throughout their marriage, Shoemaker and her husband moved between various locations, including Grand Junction, Colorado, Menlo Park, California, and Pasadena, California, before settling in Flagstaff, Arizona, where they worked together at the Lowell Observatory.
Shoemaker’s career in astronomy truly took off when Caltech hired her as a research assistant on a team led by her husband. Despite not having formal degrees in science, her exceptional visual abilities and dedication to her work set her apart. She went on to achieve groundbreaking discoveries in the field of astronomy, becoming an authority on comets and asteroids. Shoemaker’s work led to the discovery of 32 comets, a record for an individual at the time, as well as more than 500 asteroids.
In 1994, Shoemaker and her husband made an extraordinary discovery when they detected Comet Shoemaker–Levy 9. This comet, which had become fragmented, collided with Jupiter in 1994, enabling scientists to study the impact of such celestial events on a gas giant. Their findings not only contributed to our understanding of the solar system but also showcased Shoemaker’s dedication and expertise in the field of astronomy.
Throughout her career, Shoemaker received numerous awards and recognition for her contributions to the field of astronomy. Her achievements were acknowledged with honorary degrees from multiple universities. She also received prestigious professional awards, highlighting her impact in the scientific community. Shoemaker’s work not only expanded our knowledge of comets and asteroids but also inspired future generations of scientists and astronomers.
Outside of her professional life, Carolyn Shoemaker was known for her forthrightness, patience, and fine sense of humor. Tragedy struck in 1997 when Carolyn and Gene were involved in a car crash in Australia. Gene tragically lost his life, while Carolyn sustained severe injuries. Despite this immense loss, Shoemaker continued to contribute to the field of astronomy and remain an inspiration to aspiring scientists.
Carolyn S. Shoemaker’s dedication to exploring the mysteries of the universe, coupled with her significant discoveries, has left an indelible mark on the scientific community. Her work in astronomy has solidified her place in history and her role as a trailblazing woman in the field. Her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of astronomers and serve as a testament to the power of curiosity and perseverance.
Awards:
– Honorary degrees from multiple universities
– Various professional awards and recognition for her contributions to astronomy