I smiled as I saw my grandfather waving at me from the observation deck as I approached. It was he who ignited my desire to pursue Astronomy. He used to bring me here to view the stars and galaxies through astronomical telescopes. It was heavenly.
When I was twelve, I asked him, “Grandpa, can girls grow up to be astronomers?”
He said to me, “Of course they can, Brittany. Have you ever heard of Maria Mitchell?”
“No.”
“She was the first female astronomer and first American scientist to discover a comet.”
“Wow.”
“So, you see Astronomy is for girls too.”
100 Words
This post is for the Friday’s Fictioneers hosted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields. You can find this week’s prompt here. To read other stories or to participate, click here.
Sources: Wikipedia; National Women’s History Museum
Notes to Women 
Indeed it is! I didn’t know about Maria Mitchell. Did they name the comet for her, I wonder?
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I didn’t know about her either until today. They named it “Miss Mitchell’s Comet.” She was awarded a gold medal from King Frederick VI of Denmark and became the first woman elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 1848.
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Very good to highlight..
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I thought that it was important for my character to know that being a girl shouldn’t hinder her from pursuing her dream in a field that was once predominantly male.
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Of course! Gender equality.
We can be whatever we want to be.
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Yes. This is all about gender equality–something which still lacking in some countries.
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You brought new information to me today. Well done.
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You’re welcome, Oneta 🙂
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Why should it not be for girls too? A really interesting snippet of history.
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Exactly! Thanks, Keith 🙂
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I like the message that her gender shouldn’t limit her possibilities in life. Now we need the rest of the world – or parts of it – to get it as well!
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It shouldn’t. And it’s good when there a male figures in their lives who encourage them to reach for the stars. You’re right. The rest of the world needs to get with the program.
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Dear Adele,
Great way to slip in a history lesson. 😉 Now I’ll have to look up Maria Mitchell. If God didn’t want women to succeed, He wouldn’t have given us gifts, would he?
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
Thanks. Like you, I’m a big fan of history–especially herstory 🙂 That’s right. We were all made in His image and He gave us gifts too.
Shalom,
Adele
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Inspirational story! It’s amazing what a mental barrier still exists inhibiting girls from careers in STEM. Incidentally, thinking of women astronomers you may also be interested in Caroline Lucretia Herschel who had a similarly distinguished career.
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Thanks, Penny. I was really hoping for it to be. And you’re so right. There are still mental barriers which are inhibiting girls, especially in certain parts of the world. On the bright side, it’s great to see them being encouraged to pursue careers in STEM. I’ll be sure to check out Caroline Lucretia Herschel. It’s nice to learn about these phenomenal women who have paved the way for so many.
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Quite right you can be what you want to be, whoever you are in this world
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i say amen to that. 🙂
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I second that, Plaridel 🙂
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Sweet tale, well done.
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Thanks, Mason 🙂
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Well done. Interesting.
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Thanks, Bill 🙂
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I’ve never heard of a female astronomer. I’ll have to go look her up, now. Thanks! 🙂 ❤
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I knew that there were female astronomers but I wanted to find out who was the first one and when I googled that, her name came up. You’re welcome, Bear 🙂
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Educational and very well-written. Have you seen the series, “Lovecraft Country”? There is a scene in there that reminds me of your story.
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Thanks, Lisa. No, I’ve not seen the series. Will Google it to find out more about it.
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