Born: 1857 (Cambridge, Massachusetts)
Died: 1904
Biography:
Anna Winlock (1857-1904) was an American astronomer and human computer, known for her significant contributions to astronomy during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. She played a vital role as one of the first members of the Harvard Computers, a group of female astronomers who made groundbreaking astronomical discoveries. Winlock’s work included creating a catalog of stars near the north and south poles of her time and conducting calculations and studies on various asteroids, notably 433 Eros and 475 Ocllo.
Born on September 15, 1857, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Anna Winlock was the daughter of renowned astronomer Joseph Winlock and Isabella Lane. From an early age, she displayed a fascination for both mathematics and the Greek language. Her passion for astronomy was greatly influenced by her father, and at the age of twelve, she accompanied him on a solar eclipse expedition to his home state of Kentucky.
Winlock’s education took place at the Cambridge Schools, where she excelled academically. Her graduation was marked by a letter from her principal commending her proficiency in Greek and praising her character. Tragically, in June 1875, Joseph Winlock passed away shortly after Anna’s graduation from secondary school. This left her responsible for supporting her mother and four siblings, prompting her to seek employment.
Anna Winlock approached the Harvard College Observatory, where her father had once worked, with the aim of securing a position in calculations. She possessed the skills needed to process vast amounts of unreduced observations that had been left unfinished by her father. The interim director of the observatory initially expressed concerns about the state of the funds, citing it as an obstacle to hiring anyone. However, recognizing her capabilities in mathematical astronomy due to her father’s teachings, they offered her a position.
Within a year, Winlock was joined by three other women computers at the observatory, forming what became known as Pickering’s Harem. Their presence drew attention to the low wages and challenging work conditions faced by female computers, even though their work was of exceptional quality. Despite these challenges, Winlock believed in the importance of astronomy, particularly for women. Through her own scientific development and significant contributions to the observatory’s stellar program, she served as a shining example of women’s equal capabilities in astronomical research.
During her career, Anna Winlock contributed immensely to the field of astronomy. Her meticulous observations and calculations were invaluable in creating a comprehensive catalog of stars near the poles. She also conducted significant research on asteroids, providing valuable insights into their characteristics and behavior. In particular, her studies on 433 Eros and 475 Ocllo advanced our understanding of these celestial objects.
Throughout her life, Winlock faced numerous challenges and obstacles. She experienced the loss of her father at a young age and had to shoulder the responsibility of providing for her family. Despite these hardships, she persevered in pursuing her passion for astronomy and made lasting contributions to the scientific community, leaving behind a legacy of excellence and dedication.