Born: 1881 (Old Orchard Beach, Maine)
Died: 1966
Isabel Martin Lewis (July 11, 1881 – July 31, 1966) was an American astronomer who made significant contributions to the field of astronomy. She was the first woman hired by the United States Naval Observatory as an assistant astronomer and her work played a crucial role in advancing our understanding of the cosmos. Lewis’s dedication to science and her efforts to popularize astronomy have left a lasting impact on the field.
Born as Isabel Eleanor Martin in Old Orchard Beach, Maine, on July 11, 1881, Lewis showed an early aptitude for science. She pursued her education at Cornell University, where she earned her A.B. in 1903 and her A.M. in 1905, specializing in mathematics. During her time at Cornell, she honed her skills in the field of astronomy.
After completing her studies, Lewis worked as an astronomical computer for Simon Newcomb from 1905 to 1907. It was during this period that she gained valuable experience working with eclipse data, which would prove essential to her later work. In 1908, Lewis began her career at the Nautical Almanac Office, where she met her future husband, Clifford Spencer Lewis, who was also an astronomer. The two were married on December 4, 1912.
While she initially worked part-time at the observatory due to the birth of her son, Raymond Winslow Lewis, Lewis became passionate about popularizing science. She began writing books and articles aimed at a wider audience to inspire an appreciation for astronomy and earth science. Her writings appeared in various publications, including the New York Evening Sun, the Electrical Experimenter (later known as Science and Invention), Popular Astronomy, The Scientific Monthly, and the Astronomical Journal. For thirty years, Lewis had a monthly column in Nature Magazine, where she continued to engage with readers and share her knowledge.
Lewis’s dedication to popularizing science extended beyond her writing. She also gave lectures on the local radio station (WRC) and made presentations at schools and churches, spreading the wonders of astronomy to a wider audience.
After her husband’s death in 1927, Lewis returned to full-time work at the Naval Observatory. Her expertise in eclipses led to her development of a faster and more accurate method for determining the phenomenon. Her contributions to the field were recognized, and she was promoted to Assistant Scientist on October 1, 1927. In 1930, Lewis achieved the rank of Astronomer, a testament to her knowledge and dedication.
Throughout her career, Lewis focused on studying and understanding the stars, making significant contributions to the field of astronomy. Her work paved the way for future generations of women in the field, and she served as a role model for aspiring female astronomers. In 1918, Lewis was elected a member of the American Astronomical Society. She was also a member of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada and the Astronomical Society of the Pacific.
Isabel Martin Lewis’s passion for science and her efforts to popularize astronomy contributed significantly to the field. Her work continues to inspire and influence scientists and enthusiasts alike. She will always be remembered as a trailblazer for women in astronomy and a vital contributor to our understanding of the universe.
Awards:
– Membership in the American Astronomical Society (1918)