# Williamina Fleming

> astronoma escocesa (1857-1911)

**Wikidata**: [Q284180](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q284180)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Williamina_Fleming)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/williamina-fleming

## Summary
Williamina Fleming was a Scottish-American astronomer (1857–1911) who worked at the Harvard College Observatory, where she classified over 10,000 stars and discovered 10 novae, including the first recorded recurrent nova. Her work significantly advanced stellar classification and contributed to early 20th-century astronomical research.

## Biography
- Born: May 15, 1857, in Dundee, Scotland
- Nationality: Scottish-American
- Education: Trained at the Harvard College Observatory
- Known for: Classifying stars and discovering novae
- Employer(s): Harvard College Observatory
- Field(s): Astronomy

## Contributions
- Classified over 10,000 stars, contributing to early stellar catalogs.
- Discovered 10 novae, including the first recorded recurrent nova (T Coronae Borealis).
- Worked alongside the Harvard Computers, a team of women who processed astronomical data.
- Her discoveries were published in the *Annals of the Harvard College Observatory*.

## FAQs
**What was Williamina Fleming's primary contribution to astronomy?**
Fleming classified over 10,000 stars and discovered 10 novae, including the first recurrent nova, T Coronae Borealis. Her work expanded early stellar catalogs and advanced astronomical research.

**Where did Williamina Fleming work?**
Fleming worked at the Harvard College Observatory, where she collaborated with the Harvard Computers, a team of women who processed astronomical data.

**What novae did Williamina Fleming discover?**
Fleming discovered 10 novae, with T Coronae Borealis being the most notable as the first recorded recurrent nova.

**How did Williamina Fleming's work influence astronomy?**
Her stellar classifications and nova discoveries contributed to early 20th-century astronomical research, laying groundwork for future studies in stellar evolution and cosmic phenomena.

## Why They Matter
Williamina Fleming's work was pivotal in early 20th-century astronomy. Her stellar classifications and nova discoveries expanded astronomical knowledge, influencing subsequent research in stellar evolution and cosmic events. Though often overlooked in historical accounts, her contributions were foundational to the field. Her discoveries and methods were published in the *Annals of the Harvard College Observatory*, ensuring their lasting impact. Fleming's legacy highlights the importance of early female astronomers in shaping modern astrophysics.

## Notable For
- First recorded recurrent nova (T Coronae Borealis).
- Classified over 10,000 stars, contributing to early stellar catalogs.
- Worked alongside the Harvard Computers, a team of women who processed astronomical data.
- Discoveries published in the *Annals of the Harvard College Observatory*.

## Body

### Early Life and Education
Williamina Paton Stevens Fleming was born on May 15, 1857, in Dundee, Scotland. She later moved to the United States, where she trained at the Harvard College Observatory. Her early education and training laid the foundation for her career in astronomy.

### Career at Harvard College Observatory
Fleming worked at the Harvard College Observatory, where she classified over 10,000 stars. Her meticulous work contributed to early stellar catalogs and advanced astronomical research. She also discovered 10 novae, including the first recorded recurrent nova, T Coronae Borealis. Her discoveries were published in the *Annals of the Harvard College Observatory*, ensuring their scientific recognition.

### Collaborations and Influence
Fleming worked alongside the Harvard Computers, a team of women who processed astronomical data. Her contributions were integral to the observatory's research, and her methods and findings influenced subsequent astronomical studies. Her work highlighted the importance of early female astronomers in shaping modern astrophysics.

### Legacy and Impact
Williamina Fleming's legacy endures through her stellar classifications and nova discoveries. Her work was foundational to early 20th-century astronomy, and her publications in the *Annals of the Harvard College Observatory* ensured her contributions were preserved. Though often overlooked, her influence on stellar evolution and cosmic phenomena remains significant. Fleming's story underscores the critical role of early female scientists in advancing astronomical knowledge.

## References

1. The Biographical Dictionary of Women in Science
2. Find a Grave
3. Virtual International Authority File
4. SNAC
5. FemBio database
6. Proleksis Encyclopedia
7. Croatian Encyclopedia
8. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
9. [Source](https://archive.org/details/naturalistsdire03unkngoog/page/n76/mode/2up)
10. Forgotten Women: The Scientists
11. IdRef
12. Library of Congress Control Number
13. [Source](https://facebook.com/groups/709410852896325?view=permalink&id=736139043556839)