description Carolyn S. Shoemaker Overview
Carolyn S. Shoemaker (1929–2021) was an American astronomer who became one of the most prolific discoverers of comets in history. Working at the Palomar Observatory in California, she identified more than 30 comets and hundreds of asteroids over her career. Her most significant discovery was Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 in 1993, found jointly with her husband Eugene Shoemaker and David Levy, which became the first comet observed colliding with Jupiter.
Shoemaker began her astronomical work later in life and collaborated closely with the United States Geological Survey's astrogeology program.
insights Ranking position
Carolyn S. Shoemaker ranks #301 of 610 in the Astronomer ranking, behind Nigel Weiss, ahead of Gillian Wright.
help Carolyn S. Shoemaker FAQ
How did Carolyn Shoemaker help discover Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9?
Carolyn Shoemaker discovered the fragmented comet on a photographic image taken at Palomar Observatory in March 1993. The discovery was credited jointly to Carolyn, Eugene Shoemaker, and David Levy.
What happened when Shoemaker-Levy 9 reached Jupiter?
The comet's fragments struck Jupiter in July 1994, producing enormous atmospheric impact marks observable from Earth and spacecraft. It was the first collision between Solar System bodies to be observed in such detail as it happened.
Did Carolyn Shoemaker begin working as a professional astronomer when she was young?
No. She began systematic astronomical work with Eugene Shoemaker later in adulthood and became exceptionally skilled at examining photographic plates for moving objects.
Was Carolyn Shoemaker known only for Shoemaker-Levy 9?
No. She discovered or co-discovered dozens of comets and hundreds of asteroids during surveys conducted largely with the Palomar Observatory Schmidt telescope. Her comet discoveries once constituted the individual record recognized by Guinness World Records.
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