Born: January 5, 1723 (Paris, France)
Biography:
Nicole-Reine Lepaute was a French astronomer, mathematician, and human computer who made significant contributions to the field of astronomy during the 18th century. Born on January 5, 1723, in the Luxembourg Palace in Paris, she was the daughter of Jean Étable, a valet in the service of Louise Élisabeth d’Orléans. Lepaute grew up in an environment that nurtured her intellectual curiosity and love for learning.
As a child, Lepaute exhibited exceptional intelligence and was mostly self-taught. She spent countless nights devouring books and read every book in the library. Her insatiable curiosity caught the attention of Jérôme Lalande, who later described her as a child with too much spirit not to be curious. It was during this time that Lepaute’s interest in astronomy began to take shape.
Lepaute’s fascination with comets led her to pursue a deeper understanding of celestial objects. She dedicated herself to studying comets and their movements, eventually embarking on a journey of astronomical discovery that would shape her career. Her passion and determination earned her recognition as a talented astronomer.
In August 1748, Lepaute married Jean-André Lepaute, a royal clockmaker in the Luxembourg Palace. Her marriage provided her with the freedom to delve deeper into her scientific pursuits. While also managing the household’s accounts, Lepaute continued her studies in astronomy and mathematics. She eagerly observed, calculated, and described her husband’s inventions, which further honed her skills in the field.
Lepaute’s scientific journey took a significant turn when she met Jérôme Lalande in 1753. Lalande, a representative of the Académie des Sciences, was called to inspect her husband’s work on a new type of pendulum. Impressed by Lepaute’s calculative abilities, Lalande collaborated with her and her husband on a book titled Traité d’horlogerie (Treatise of Clockmaking), published in 1755.
Although Lepaute did not receive authorship for her contributions to the book, Lalande spoke highly of her, acknowledging her significant role. He praised Lepaute for calculating a table of numbers of oscillations for pendulums of different lengths, a critical component of the treatise.
Lepaute’s astronomical accomplishments spanned a wide range of celestial events. In collaboration with Alexis Clairaut and Jérôme Lalande, she calculated the date of the return of Halley’s Comet, a notable achievement that showcased her mathematical prowess. Additionally, she accurately predicted the solar eclipse of 1764, highlighting her expertise in celestial predictions.
Beyond her individual accomplishments, Lepaute’s contributions to science extended to her role as a member of the Scientific Académie de Béziers. Through her involvement in this esteemed scientific community, Lepaute had the opportunity to collaborate and exchange ideas with other prominent astronomers and mathematicians of her time.
Lepaute’s immense dedication, intelligence, and perseverance paved the way for future generations of female astronomers. Her remarkable achievements challenged societal norms and demonstrated that women could excel in the field of science. Lepaute’s legacy continues to inspire countless individuals, especially women, to pursue their passions and make significant contributions to the scientific community.
Awards:
– Asteroid 7720 Lepaute is named in her honor.
– Lunar crater Lepaute is also named in her honor.