Berta Degenfeld-Schomburg (1843-1928) : The Astronomer Baroness

Abstract

Bibliographia: Kéri Katalin: Berta Degenfeld-Schomburg (1843-1928) : The Astronomer Baroness. In: Cristian, Réka Mónika; Kérchy, Anna (szerk.) Pioneer Hungarian Women in Science and Education. Budapest, Akadémiai Kiadó (2022) pp. 49-58. --- It used to be the order of the day for the history of natural sciences, like history in general, to gloss over female contributors. Yet the history of science as hallmarked by the canonical figures of Aristotle, Copernicus, Newton, Einstein and a handful of other male names, seems rather blinkered when it comes to describing the process that led, always gradually and often by fits and starts, to major scientific discoveries. The few who ultimately claimed a major milestone were backed and continue to be backed by scientists both male and female, who made their own crucial contributions to the progress of science and momentous achievements through their observations, calculations, experiments and ideas. The field of astronomy was no exception. As Margaret Alic writes, the cultivation of science takes intelligence, creativity, proper upbringing and dedication. These four prerequisites certainly apply to astronomy, particularly if augmented by endurance, vigilance, outstanding mathematical skills (obviously) and proficiency in the use of various devices and techniques. Although a survey of the career of women engaged in astronomy through history cannot pretend to account for the role of women across the board in the civilization of a given era, it can clearly supply important details for a better understanding of that role. Indeed, we know of quite a few women who have made astronomical observations over the ages, working alongside their fathers, husbands and brothers. They may not represent the majority of female society of their day, but scrutinizing their activities will offer useful insight into the age in terms of the educational customs, mores, the relations between parents and children and between man and wife, as well as provide a glimpse into the lifestyle of the middle and aristocratic classes and behind the scenes, of the stage where the progress of natural sciences unfolds. Perusing the index in lexicons and histories of astronomy it is seldom that one encounters a female name here and there. However, if one delves into the subject, they will find ample evidence in written sources documenting women who looked upon the sky and not with the intent to muse and swoon over their lovers by starlight. Some of them, far ahead of their female contemporaries and flouting the prejudices around them, embarked on astronomical research and theory. In this regard they left a mark by leaving to posterity various letters, diaries and articles in professional journals and by lending their names to craters of the Moon, to flowers, observatories and schools. --- URL: https://mersz.hu/hivatkozas/m942phwis_8