Born: 1911 (Ortaköy, Istanbul)
Died: 1999
Biography:
Marie Paris Pişmiş de Recillas, born Mari Sukiasian on January 30, 1911, in Ortaköy, Istanbul, was an Armenian-Mexican astronomer. She was a pioneering figure in the field of astronomy and played a crucial role in establishing Mexico’s importance in astronomical education and research.
Paris Pişmiş completed her high school studies at Üsküdar American Academy before embarking on her scientific journey. In 1937, she achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first woman to obtain a Ph.D. from the Science Faculty of Istanbul University. Her advisor during her doctoral studies was the renowned German astronomer Erwin Finlay Freundlich.
Motivated by a thirst for knowledge and driven by her passion for astronomy, Pişmiş traveled to Harvard University, where she would encounter her future husband, Félix Recillas, a Mexican mathematician. After their marriage, they settled in Mexico, marking the beginning of Pişmiş’s transformation into the first professional astronomer in the country.
Over the course of more than five decades, Paris Pişmiş dedicated her career to advancing astronomy in Mexico. Her contributions were so significant that she is considered the pivotal figure in establishing the nation’s prominence in astronomical education and research. She worked tirelessly at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) and received numerous prestigious accolades, including the Science Teaching Prize.
Pişmiş’s research spanned a wide range of astronomical subjects. She delved into the kinematics of galaxies, H II nebulae, the structure of open star clusters, and planetary nebulae. Her work culminated in the compilation of the exhaustive catalog called Pismis, which encompassed 24 open clusters and 2 globular clusters in the southern hemisphere.
In addition to her scientific accomplishments, Paris Pişmiş played a vital role in inspiring future generations of astronomers. She was a dedicated teacher, sharing her vast knowledge and fostering a culture of scientific inquiry in Mexico. Her impact on astronomical education was profound, leaving an indelible mark on the field and helping shape the next generation of researchers.
In 1998, Pişmiş published her autobiography, entitled Reminiscences in the Life of Paris Pişmiş: a Woman Astronomer. This memoir provided unique insights into her struggles, triumphs, and the challenges she faced throughout her illustrious career. Her autobiography also shed light on the significant contribution she made to women’s history and the advancement of women in science.
Paris Pişmiş’s dedication to her craft and her pioneering spirit paved the way for future generations of astronomers, particularly women. Her impact extended beyond her own lifetime, as her daughter Elsa Recillas Pishmish, her son-in-law Carlos Cruz-González, and her granddaughter Irene Cruz-González all followed in her footsteps and became astronomers themselves.
Paris Pişmiş passed away in 1999, leaving behind a rich legacy in the field of astronomy. Her life and work continue to inspire aspiring scientists and astronomers, while her contributions to Mexican astronomy remain as a testament to her lasting impact on the scientific community.
Awards:
– Science Teaching Prize awarded by the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM)