Born: 1868 (Strabane, County Tyrone, Ireland)
Died: 1947
Biography:
Annie Scott Dill Maunder (née Russell) FRAS (14 April 1868 – 15 September 1947) was an Irish-British astronomer who made significant contributions to the field of solar astronomy. She is best known for her groundbreaking research on sunspots, particularly her discovery of the movement of sunspot emergence from the poles toward the equator over the sun’s 11-year cycle.
Annie was born on April 14, 1868, in The Manse, Strabane, County Tyrone, Ireland. She was the daughter of William Andrew Russell, a Presbyterian minister, and Hessy Nesbitt Russell (née Dill). Growing up in a devoutly Christian household, Annie and her five siblings received a serious-minded upbringing and were encouraged to pursue academic excellence.
Annie’s educational journey began at the Ladies Collegiate School in Belfast, which later became Victoria College. She excelled in her studies and, at the age of 18, won a prize in an intermediate school examination. This achievement allowed her to sit the Girton open entrance scholarship examination, through which she was awarded a three-year scholarship to Girton College, Cambridge. In 1889, Annie passed her degree examinations with honors, emerging as the top mathematician of her year at Girton. She also ranked as Senior Optime, the equivalent of second class in the university results list. Notably, Annie was the first woman from Ireland to receive this rank.
Although Annie had earned a bachelor’s degree, she was unable to receive it due to the restrictions of the time. Cambridge did not grant degrees to women until 1948. Nonetheless, Annie’s achievements and dedication to her studies impressed her tutor, who commended her ability to excel in spite of the limitations imposed on women during that era.
In 1895, at the age of 27, Annie married Walter Maunder, a fellow astronomer who was 17 years her senior. The couple married in a Presbyterian church in Greenwich. While they did not have children together, Walter had five children from a previous marriage. Despite their age difference, the marriage was a happy and productive one, as both Annie and Walter shared a passion for astronomy.
Annie’s work on sunspot research began in the late 19th century when she joined her husband at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich. Together, they conducted extensive observations of the sun, eventually leading to groundbreaking discoveries about the nature of sunspots. Annie’s research revealed that sunspots tend to emerge from the polar regions of the sun and then migrate towards the equator as part of an 11-year cycle. This finding revolutionized our understanding of solar activity and had a profound impact on the field of solar astronomy.
Despite her significant contributions, Annie faced challenges and gender discrimination throughout her career. It wasn’t until 1916, after 21 years of being denied membership due to her gender, that Annie was elected as a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society. This recognition finally acknowledged her immense talent and dedication to the field of astronomy.
Annie’s legacy extends far beyond her scientific achievements. As a female astronomer in a time when women were often overlooked in the scientific community, she broke barriers and inspired countless individuals. Her perseverance in the face of adversity serves as a shining example of determination and resilience.
Annie S. D. Maunder’s contributions to solar astronomy established her as one of the leading astronomers of her time. Her research findings continue to influence the field to this day. By overcoming societal barriers and making significant scientific advancements, Annie played a vital role in shaping our understanding of the sun and its activity.
Awards:
– Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society (1916)