zoom_in Click to enlarge

Carolyn Shoemaker

▲ ▼

description Carolyn Shoemaker Overview

Carolyn Shoemaker was an American astronomer known for discovering and co-discovering comets and asteroids, despite beginning her astronomical career without formal scientific training. Working closely with Eugene Shoemaker and David Levy, she co-discovered Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 in 1993; the comet's fragments struck Jupiter in 1994. Her systematic examination of photographic plates made her one of the most productive comet discoverers of her era.

help Carolyn Shoemaker FAQ

What is Carolyn Shoemaker most famous for discovering?

Carolyn Shoemaker is best known for co-discovering Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 in 1993 alongside her husband Gene Shoemaker and David Levy. This comet famously collided with the planet Jupiter the following year.

How many comets did Carolyn Shoemaker discover?

She was one of the leading discoverers of comets in the 20th century, finding over 30 individual comets during her career. She also discovered hundreds of asteroids, making her one of the most prolific astronomers in history.

How did Carolyn Shoemaker search for comets?

She utilized a stereomicroscope to carefully examine pairs of photographic plates taken of the night sky hours apart. By looking for objects that moved against the fixed background stars, she could identify new comets and asteroids.

Was Carolyn Shoemaker formally trained as an astronomer?

No, she originally studied history and political science before entering the field of astronomy later in life. She became a researcher at the United States Geological Survey and Northern Arizona University.