E. Ruth Hedeman facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
E. Ruth Hedeman
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| Born |
Emma Ruth Hedeman
November 25, 1910 Baltimore, Maryland
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| Died | January 25, 2006 Annapolis, Maryland
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| Burial place | Parkwood Cemetery, Parkville, Maryland |
| Nationality | American |
| Alma mater | Goucher College, University of Michigan |
| Occupation | Solar astronomer |
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Emma Ruth Hedeman (1910–2006) was an amazing American scientist. She spent her career studying the Sun as a solar astronomer at the McMath-Hulbert Solar Observatory in Michigan. She helped us learn a lot about our closest star!
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Early Life and Education
Ruth Hedeman was born in Baltimore, Maryland, on November 25, 1910. She grew up in the Hamilton neighborhood of Baltimore. After finishing Eastern High School in 1928, she went to Goucher College. She earned her first master's degree in mathematics from Duke University in 1936.
Ruth started her career teaching math. She taught at Goucher College and then at Eastern High School.
Service in World War II
When World War II began, Ruth decided to join the U.S. Navy. She joined the WAVES in 1942. WAVES stood for "Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service." She trained in atmospheric science and meteorology. This means she learned about Earth's atmosphere and weather.
Ruth then worked as an aerological officer. This job involved studying weather for military flights. She served at naval air stations in Klamath Falls, Oregon, and then in Seattle. She left the Navy in 1946 as a Lieutenant, Senior Grade.
Becoming a Solar Astronomer
After the war, Ruth went back to school. She studied astronomy at the University of Michigan. In 1948, she earned her second master's degree. This is where her long career as a solar astronomer began. She worked at the McMath-Hulbert Observatory, which was part of the University of Michigan.
Ruth worked closely with another astronomer named Helen Dodson Prince. Together, they wrote many important papers about the Sun. Their work is still considered very important in solar research today.
What is a Solar Astronomer?
A solar astronomer is a scientist who studies the Sun. They look at things like sunspots, solar flares, and other activities on the Sun. This helps us understand how the Sun affects Earth and space weather.
Ruth and Helen's research included studying solar flares. These are huge explosions on the Sun's surface. They also looked at how different parts of the Sun's activity developed over time.
Later Years and Retirement
Ruth Hedeman worked at the observatory for almost 40 years! She finally retired in 1987. After retiring, she lived in Falls Church, Virginia, and later in Annapolis, Maryland.
Ruth loved to travel. She went on many trips for both work and fun. She attended conferences and gave talks about astronomy. In 1972, she fulfilled a dream by traveling all the way around the world! Even at age 86, she went on a trip through the Panama Canal with her niece and nephew.
Ruth Hedeman passed away on January 25, 2006, at her home in Annapolis, Maryland. She was 95 years old. She is buried in Parkwood Cemetery in Parkville, Maryland.
