Carolyn S. Shoemaker
American astronomer
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Carolyn Jean Spellmann Shoemaker (born June 24, 1929) is an American astronomer. She is a co-discoverer of Comet Shoemaker–Levy 9.[1] She holds the record for most comets discovered by a single person.[2]
Carolyn S. Shoemaker | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | June 24, 1929 |
| Nationality | American |
| Citizenship | American |
| Alma mater | California State University, Chico |
| Known for | co-discoverer of Comet Shoemaker–Levy 9 |
| Spouse(s) | Eugene Shoemaker 1951–1997 (his death) |
| Awards | James Craig Watson Medal (1998) National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Exceptional Scientific Achievement Medal Rittenhouse Medal (1988) Scientist of the Year Award (1995) |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Astronomy |
| Institutions | California Institute of Technology Palomar Observatory, California |
Personal lifeEdit
Shoemaker was born Carolyn Jean Spellmann in Gallup, New Mexico, United States.[2] She is the widow of Eugene Shoemaker, a planetary scientist.[2]
CareerEdit
Shoemaker started her astronomical career in 1980, searching for Earth-crossing asteroids and comets at the California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California, and the Palomar Observatory, San Diego, California.[3]
As of 2002, Shoemaker had discovered 32 comets and over 300 asteroids (counting the as-yet unnumbered ones).[2][3]
ReferencesEdit
- ↑ Mestel, Rosie (9 July 1994). "Carolyn Shoemaker and 'Her Comet'". New Scientist. 143 (1933). p. 23.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 "Carolyn Shoemaker". Astrogeology Science Center. USGS.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 "She's Looking Out for Us". Explorer. American Association of Petroleum Geologists. May 2001.