Caroline Herschel

First woman to discover a comet and redefine women's role in astronomy during the 18th century

Caroline Herschel (1750–1848) shattered gender barriers in science as the first professional female astronomer. Born in Germany, she moved to England to assist her brother William Herschel, later becoming a trailblazer herself. She discovered eight comets and cataloged thousands of stars, earning the Royal Astronomical Society's Gold Medal in 1828—a first for a woman.

Her meticulous work on nebulae clusters laid groundwork for modern astrophysics. She also identified 14 new nebulae and contributed to William's discovery of Uranus. Despite limited education, Caroline developed mathematical prowess, creating star catalogs still referenced today. Her autobiography reveals struggles against societal norms, inspiring future generations.

The International Astronomical Union honors her with asteroid 281 Lucretia and a lunar crater. Caroline's legacy persists in initiatives promoting women in STEM, proving that curiosity and resilience can overcome even the darkest societal constraints.