Born: September 11, 1847 (Waltham, Massachusetts)
Died: January 20, 1921
Biography:
Mary Watson Whitney (September 11, 1847 – January 20, 1921) was an American astronomer and for 22 years the head of the Vassar College Observatory, where 102 scientific papers were published under her guidance.
Mary Watson Whitney was born on September 11, 1847, in Waltham, Massachusetts. Her mother was Mary Watson Crehore and her father was Samuel Buttrick Whitney. Coming from a wealthy family, Whitney had the advantage of receiving a good education for a woman at the time. She excelled in mathematics during her school years in Waltham, and after graduating from the public high school in 1863, she attended Vassar College.
It was during her time at Vassar College that Whitney’s life faced significant challenges. Her father passed away, and her brother was lost at sea. Despite these hardships, Whitney remained focused on her academic pursuits and earned her degree in 1868. She continued her studies at Harvard University from 1869 to 1870, studying quaternions and celestial mechanics under Benjamin Peirce as a guest since women were not allowed as students at Harvard at the time. She further enhanced her education by studying mathematics and celestial mechanics in Zürich for three years.
Upon her return to the United States, Whitney took up a teaching position at her hometown high school. However, her true passion lay in astronomy, and she soon became an assistant to the renowned astronomer Maria Mitchell at Vassar College. In 1888, when Mitchell retired, Whitney succeeded her as head of the Vassar College Observatory and also became a professor. She held these positions until her retirement in 1915 due to health reasons.
Whitney’s expertise and dedication focused on various astronomical subjects, including double stars, variable stars, asteroids, comets, and measurements by photographic plates. Under her guidance, the Vassar College Observatory published 102 scientific papers, cementing its reputation as a center for astronomical research.
In addition to her work at the observatory, Whitney was an active member of scientific societies. She was a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and a charter member of the Astronomical and Astrophysical Society. In 1902, she became the first president of the Maria Mitchell Association in Nantucket, Massachusetts, further solidifying her influence and contribution to the field of astronomy.
Whitney was not only dedicated to her research and teaching but also had a strong belief in the potential of women in science. She advocated for women to pursue careers in practical chemistry, architecture, dentistry, and agriculture, seeing these fields as lucrative and suitable for women. She also believed that scientific training could prepare women for motherhood, aligning with the societal norms of the early 20th century.
Throughout her life, Mary Watson Whitney made significant contributions to the field of astronomy and played a crucial role in advancing the status of women in science. Her passion, dedication, and groundbreaking research continue to inspire astronomers to this day.
Awards:
– Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science
– Charter member of the Astronomical and Astrophysical Society