A life of research
Born in Hanover, she joined her brother William in England in 1772. Initially trained as a singer, she learned mathematics and the practical techniques of observation.
She assisted William’s observing programme but also conducted her own searches. At a time when scientific careers for women were rare, she received a royal salary from 1787.
Understanding the contribution
Between 1786 and 1797 she discovered eight comets. Finding a moving object requires familiarity with the star background and careful comparison across different observing nights.
She corrected and organised catalogues and later prepared an arrangement of nebulae observed with William. Such calculation and documentation are essential for finding objects again and comparing measurements.