  | Comet chaser : the true Cinderella story of Caroline Herschel, the first professional woman astronomer Author: Turner, Pamela S. | |
| Price: $24.48 | ||
Summary:
From humble beginnings and in spite of many obstacles, Caroline Herschel and her brother William developed and built the best telescope in the world--in their back yard! Together they went on to discover a new planet, new moons, and vast arrays of unknown nebulae and comets. From a child who seemed doomed to a life of servitude, Caroline grew into a woman recognized by kings and queens--and a scientist whose work and discoveries continue to shine today.
| Illustrator: | Mildenberger, Vivien |
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (02/01/24)
Booklist (01/17/24)
The Hornbook (00/03/24)
Full Text Reviews:
Booklist - 01/17/2024 Born in Germany, Caroline Herschel moved to England to help her brother William run his household. They also performed music together professionally. But as his interest in astronomy grew, she also became enthusiastic about observing the night sky, charting it, and helping him build telescopes of increasing size and precision. Since ancient times, only five planets had been discovered, until William saw Uranus through one of the telescopes that he and his sister had built. One night in 1786, Caroline discovered a comet. At her request, a group of skeptical astronomers visited her, looked through her telescope, and confirmed her discovery. As a result, King George III hired her, and she became “the world’s first professional woman astronomer.” Turner’s well-researched text gives readers insights into eighteenth-century European society as well as the history of astronomy and the personal challenges faced by Caroline Herschel. The many dark, impressionistic paintings illustrate her struggles particularly well. This picture-book biography presents a short, vivid account of Caroline Herschel’s notable life, with additional information and insights in the back matter. - Copyright 2024 Booklist.
