Maria Mitchell (August 1, 1818 â June 28, 1889) (pron: [mÉ’raɪÉ]) was an American astronomer who, in 1847, by using a telescope, discovered a comet which as a result became known as “Miss Mitchell’s Comet”. She won a gold medal prize for her discovery which was presented to her by King Frederick VII of Denmark. The medal said âNot in vain do we watch the setting and rising of the starsâ. Mitchell was the first American woman to work as a professional astronomer.
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