Mitchell, Maria (1818-1889), an American astronomer, became known for her studies of sunspots and of satellites of planets. She discovered a new comet in 1847. Although she was largely self-educated, she served as professor of astronomy at Vassar College from 1865 to 1888. Mitchell was elected into several learned societies. In 1848, she became the first woman member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. She later became a fellow of the society. She was elected to the Hall of Fame for Great Americans in 1905. Mitchell was born on Aug. 1, 1818, in Nantucket, Massachusetts. She died on June 28, 1889.
