Frances Woodworth Wright facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Frances Woodworth Wright
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Frances Woodworth Wright at Harvard College Observatory
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| Born | April 30, 1897 Providence, Rhode Island
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| Died | July 30, 1989 Cambridge, Massachusetts
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| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | astronomer, educator |
Frances Woodworth Wright (born April 30, 1897 – died July 30, 1989) was an amazing American astronomer. She worked at Harvard University, a famous school. During World War II, she taught important skills like celestial navigation to soldiers and engineers.
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Early Life and Learning
Frances Woodworth Wright was born in Providence, Rhode Island. Her parents were George William Wright and Nellie Woodworth Wright. When she was a child in 1907, Frances wrote a short essay. It was called "My Favorite Poem" and was published in St. Nicholas, a popular magazine for kids.
She went to Brown University and earned her first college degree in 1920. Later, in 1958, she earned a Ph.D. in astronomy. This advanced degree was from Radcliffe College, where she studied with the famous astronomer Fred Whipple.
A Career in the Stars
Frances Wright first taught astronomy and math at Elmira College. After that, she started working at the Harvard College Observatory. There, she became great friends with another astronomer, Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin.
In 1930, these two friends went on an exciting road trip. They drove across the United States to visit different observatories. They even camped along the way!
During World War II, Frances Wright taught a very important skill. She taught celestial navigation to military officers and engineers. This is how people use the stars and sun to find their way. For many years after the war, she kept teaching navigation. She taught it to Harvard students and even local sailors.
Frances loved teaching. In 1986, she said, "I just love the looks in some of their faces when they've learned something." She felt like she was helping people see new possibilities. She added, "You feel as if you've added to their horizons... It inspires me to think this course gives them a sense of adventure."
She wrote three books about navigation techniques. These books were Celestial Navigation (1969), Coastwise Navigation (1980), and Particularized Navigation: How to Prevent Navigational Emergencies (1973). She also helped write Basic Marine Navigation (1944) with Bart Bok. Another book she co-authored was The Large Magellanic Cloud (1967) with Paul W. Hodge.
Discoveries and Recognition
Frances Wright continued working at the observatory until 1971. She also kept teaching college courses in navigation for many years after that. In 1976, something special happened. A small planet, called a minor planet, was named in her honor. It was named 2133 Franceswright after it was discovered at the Harvard College Observatory.
Legacy and Impact
Frances Woodworth Wright passed away in 1989 at the age of 92. Her small telescope is now part of a collection of old scientific tools at Harvard University. Frances also created a special fund called the Frances W. Wright Navigation Fund. This fund helps make sure that navigation courses continue to be available for students.
