Williamina Fleming

thumb|Williamina Paton Stevens Fleming circa 1890s Williamina Paton Stevens Fleming (15 May 1857 – 21 May 1911) was a Scottish astronomer. At the Harvard College Observatory, she contributed to the photographic classification of stellar spectra, helping to develop a common designation system for stars. Fleming cataloged more than ten thousand stars, 59 gaseous nebulae, over 310 variable stars, and 10 novae, among other astronomical phenomena. She is credited with the discovery of the Horsehead Nebula in 1888, and she was a vocal supporter of women's representation in her field. Quotes If one could only go on and on with original work…, life would be a most beautiful dream; but you…use most of your available time preparing the work of others for publication While we cannot maintain that in everything woman is man’s equal, yet in many things her patience, perseverance, and method make her his superior I am immediately told that I receive an excellent salary as women’s salaries stand.…Does he ever think that I have a home to keep and a family to take care of as well as the men?…And this is considered an enlightened age! My home life is necessarily different from that of other officers of the University since all housekeeping cares rest on me, in addition to those of providing the means to meet their expenses. My son Edward…knows little or nothing of the value of money and, therefore, has the idea but that everything should be forthcoming on demand Labor honestly, conscientiously, and steadfastly, and recognition and success must crown your efforts in the end.” Brief life of Williamina Fleming, spectrographic pioneer and astronomer External links Category:Women scientists from Scotland Category:Astronomers from Scotland Category:1857 births Category:1911 deaths Category:Harvard University staff Category:Women born in the 19th century