The total solar eclipse of 1878 also brought the first professional female astronomer out west, Maria Mitchell. Maria grew up learning astronomy from her father and helped him calculate the exact time of an annular eclipse when she was only 12 years old. Maria’s first solo accomplishment was the discovery of a comet at the age of 29. In 1865 Maria became a professor of astronomy at Vassar College where she fought to be paid equal to the male professors at the college.
Durante el eclipse de Wyoming de 1878, María organizó un grupo de estudiantes de astronomía y viajó al oeste hasta Denver. Un grupo de mujeres que viajaban sin hombres era algo inaudito en ese momento. María y sus 5 estudiantes viajaron más de 2000 millas en tren y luego se aventuraron al campo en las afueras de Denver para montar un campamento. Este tipo de prácticas en educación e investigación también era nuevo en ese momento.
Usando grandes telescopios refractores con filtros solares, los estudiantes recibieron instrucciones sobre qué observaciones hacer.
“You will see Nature as you never saw it before – it will neither be day nor night – open your senses to all the revelations. Let your eyes take note of the colors of Earth and Sky. Observe the tint of the Sun. Look for a gleam of light in the horizon. Notice the color of the foliage. Use another sense – notice if flowers give forth the odors of evening. Listen if the animals show signs of fear – if the dog barks – if the owl shrieks – if the birds cease to sing – if the bee ceases its hum – if the butterfly stops its flight – it is said that even the ant pauses with its burden and no longer gives the lesson to the sluggard.”
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