Caroline Furness facts for kids
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Caroline Ellen Furness (born June 24, 1869 – died February 9, 1936) was an American astronomer. She was a teacher at Vassar College for many years. Caroline Furness was the first woman to earn a PhD in astronomy from Columbia University. She made important contributions to the study of stars.
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Who Was Caroline Furness?
Caroline Furness was a pioneering astronomer. She helped us learn more about the universe. She was also a strong supporter of education for women. She believed everyone should have a chance to learn.
Early Life and Learning
Caroline was born on June 24, 1869. Her hometown was Cleveland, Ohio. Her father was a science teacher. He encouraged her to be curious about science. This early interest helped her choose her path.
She graduated from Vassar College in 1887. After college, she taught science in high school. But her real passion was research. After three years, she returned to Vassar. She became a research assistant there.
A Star Student and Teacher
At Vassar, Caroline worked with Mary Watson Whitney. Whitney was a famous astronomer. Together, they spent almost ten years observing comets and planets. This work was very important for understanding space.
In 1896, Caroline went to Columbia University. She studied under Harold Jacoby. In 1900, she earned her PhD in astronomy. Her special paper was about stars near the North Pole. She was the first woman to get this degree from Columbia. In 1903, she returned to Vassar as an instructor.
Important Work in Astronomy
Caroline continued her work with Mary Watson Whitney. From 1909 to 1911, they studied variable stars. These are stars that change brightness. Their observations helped astronomers understand these stars better.
In 1915, Caroline wrote a very important book. It was called Introduction to the Study of Variable Stars. This book became a key guide for students and scientists. It helped many people learn about variable stars.
In 1922, she received a special honor. She became a fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society. This is a group of top astronomers. It showed how much her work was valued.
Helping Others Learn
Caroline Furness was a strong supporter of education. She especially cared about women's education. She wrote articles about how women could get higher education in Japan. She was also an important member of the National Alliance of Unitarian Women. She died on February 9, 1936, in New York City.
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Learn more about Caroline Furness in Spanish! Caroline Furness para niños
