Margaret Flamsteed facts for kids
Margaret Flamsteed (born Cooke) lived from about 1670 to 1730. She is known as the first woman in Britain to be officially involved with astronomy. Margaret was married to John Flamsteed. He was the Astronomical Observer, a very important job that later became known as the Astronomer Royal.
After John Flamsteed passed away, Margaret made sure his two most famous books were published. These were the Historia Coelestis Britannica in 1725 and the Atlas Coelestis in 1729. These books were very important for astronomy. Without Margaret's hard work, they might never have been shared with the world.
Margaret was even a character in a play! It was called The Astronomer's Garden by Kevin Hood.
Margaret's Early Life
Margaret Cooke grew up in London. Her father was a lawyer. She received a good education for her time. This meant she could read, write, and work with numbers very well.
Life with the Astronomer Royal
Margaret was 22 years old when she married John Flamsteed. He was 46 at the time. They were married for 27 years.
Margaret's notebooks show she was good at math and astronomy. She was also eager to learn more. One of John Flamsteed's notes mentions an observation done "solus cum sponsa." This means "alone with wife." This and other clues suggest Margaret helped her husband with his nighttime observations. She was not a regular assistant, but she was clearly able and willing to help.
During the day, Margaret also copied letters for John. She wrote letters for him too, especially when his hand became shaky.
Margaret Flamsteed also managed their home. She made sure John's assistants, students, and visitors were well taken care of.
After John Flamsteed's Death
John Flamsteed died in 1719. After his death, Margaret took charge of publishing his two big books. These were the Historia Coelestis Britannica in 1725 and the Atlas Coelestis in 1729.
Margaret had help from Joseph Crosthwait and Abraham Sharp. They were two of John Flamsteed's assistants. Publishing these large works was very expensive. Margaret also had to deal with her husband's complicated estate. She had less money because many of her savings were lost. This happened during the financial crash of the South Sea Bubble in 1720.
Margaret Flamsteed passed away when she was 60 years old. This was just one year after the Atlas Coelestis was published.
