Born: 1885 (Littleton, Massachusetts)
Died: 1979
Margaret Harwood (March 19, 1885 – February 6, 1979) was an American astronomer specializing in photometry and the first director of the Maria Mitchell Observatory in Nantucket, Massachusetts. An asteroid discovered in 1960 was named 7040 Harwood in her honor.
Early life and education
Margaret Harwood was born in 1885 in Littleton, Massachusetts, one of nine children of Herbert Joseph Harwood and Emelie Augusta Green. She grew up in a family that valued education, and her passion for astronomy was nurtured from a young age. In 1907, Harwood received her AB from Radcliffe College, where she was a member of Phi Beta Kappa. Her time at Radcliffe College gave her a solid foundation in the sciences and further fueled her interest in astronomy.
Career
Following her graduation, Harwood began working at the Harvard Observatory and also taught in private schools in the Boston area. Her dedication and talent soon caught the attention of the scientific community, and in 1912, an astronomical fellowship was created specifically for women to work at the Maria Mitchell Observatory. Harwood was selected as the first recipient of the fellowship, and she received a grant of $1,000 to pursue her research at the observatory.
In 1916, at the age of 30, Harwood made history by being named the director of the Maria Mitchell Observatory. She held this position until her retirement in 1957. During her time as director, Harwood focused on photometry, a field that involved measuring variations in the light of stars and asteroids. She became an expert in analyzing and interpreting data from astronomical observations, making significant contributions to our understanding of celestial bodies.
Throughout her career, Harwood’s work centered on the small planet 433 Eros, studying its light variations and providing valuable insights into its composition and behavior. Her research was highly regarded and garnered international recognition. Harwood was a member of the American Astronomical Society and a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society. She traveled extensively, presenting her findings at conferences and collaborating with other astronomers around the world.
In 1923, Harwood achieved another groundbreaking milestone by becoming the first woman to gain access to the Mount Wilson Observatory. The following year, she became the first woman allowed to use the observatory’s 60-inch telescope, which was the largest in the world at that time. These accomplishments shattered long-standing gender barriers in the field of astronomy and opened doors for future generations of female astronomers.
Not only was Harwood a trailblazer in her scientific accomplishments, but she also faced and overcame societal prejudices throughout her career. In 1917, she discovered the asteroid 886 Washingtonia, but faced resistance when trying to report her discovery. Senior people around her advised her not to report it as a new discovery because it was inappropriate that a woman should be thrust into the limelight with such a claim. However, Harwood did send her photographs of the discovery to George Henry Peters, who included them in his study of the asteroid’s orbit. Despite these challenges, Harwood’s determination and perseverance allowed her work to be recognized and celebrated.
In 1960, an asteroid discovered at Palomar was named in her honor: 7040 Harwood. This recognition not only acknowledged her significant contributions to the field of astronomy but also paid tribute to her lifelong dedication to the pursuit of knowledge and advancement in her field.
Outside of her astronomical pursuits, Harwood was a devoted Unitarian and actively involved in her community. She served as a trustee of the Nantucket Cottage Hospital and taught at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) during World War II. Her impact extended beyond her scientific achievements, as she shared her knowledge and expertise with others.
Margaret Harwood passed away on February 6, 1979, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the field of astronomy and women’s history. As the first female director of the Maria Mitchell Observatory and a pioneering astronomer, she blazed a trail for future generations of women in science. Her determination, resilience, and passion for discovery continue to inspire and empower women in STEM fields.
Awards:
– Honorary Ph.D. from Oxford University
– Annie J. Cannon Award in Astronomy (1962)