Elisabetha Hevelius observing the sky with a brass octant (1673).

Elisabeth Catherina Koopmann-Hevelius (in Polish called Elżbieta Heweliusz; January 17, 1647 – December 22, 1693) is considered one of the first female astronomers. Originally from Danzig, Poland, she contributed to improve the work and observations done together with her husband Johannes Hevelius.

Early life

Elisabeth Koopmann (or Kaufmann, German: "merchant") was, like Hevelius and his first wife, a member of a rich merchant family in the city of Danzig (Gdańsk) located in Pomeranian Voivodeship of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth and a member of the trade organisation called Hansa. Elisabetha Koopman's parents were Nicholas Koopman (the Dutch word for "Merchant") (1601-1672) who was a prosperous merchant and Joanna Mennings (or Menninx) (1602-1679). Nicholas and Joanna were married in Amsterdam in 1633.[1] They moved from Amsterdam to Hamburg then, in 1636, they moved to Danzig. It was in this city, largely German speaking but a part of Poland at the time, that their daughter Elisabetha was born.[2]

Marriage

Johannes and Elisabetha Hevelius observing the sky with a brass sextant (1673).
Johannes and Elisabetha Hevelius observing the sky with a brass octant (1673).

It was a fascination for astronomy which led Elisabetha, when still only a child, to approach Johannes Hevelius, an astronomer of international repute who had a complex of three houses in Danzig which contained the best observatory in the world. The marriage of the seventeen-year-old to fifty-two-year-old Hevelius in 1663[3] allowed her also to pursue her own interest in astronomy by helping him manage his observatory. They had a son, who died soon after birth, and three daughters who survived.[4] The eldest of the three daughters was named Catherina Elisabetha (after her mother) and baptized in St Catherine's Church, Danzig, on 14 February 1666. From the writings of Johann III Bernoulli we know that Elisabetha contracted smallpox and was permanently scarred by it. Following his death in 1687, she completed and published Prodromus astronomiae (1690), their jointly compiled catalogue of 1,564 stars and their positions. The work included information on their methods of calculations and examples of how they determined latitude and longitude of stars using the sectant and quadrant. The book, however, was published only with Johannes name as author.[5]

Elisabeth's Contributions to Science

Elisabeth, a scholar who had mastered the intricacies of Latin, harnessed her linguistic prowess to engage in intellectual exchanges with fellow scientists.[5] Her proficiency in Latin, a language widely used in scientific discourse during her time, facilitated meaningful communication and collaboration with peers.[6] Remarkably, Elisabeth's command of Latin was not the result of formal education but a testament to her self-directed commitment to broadening her intellectual horizons.[5]

Her journey into the realm of Latin self-education underscores her profound dedication to the pursuit of scientific knowledge.[3] It highlights her proactive approach to not only comprehend scientific principles but also to actively participate in the discourse, thereby contributing to the collective pool of scientific understanding.[5] Elisabeth's language skills became a conduit for the exchange of ideas, fostering a collaborative environment in which she and her husband, Johannes Hevelius, could actively engage with the scientific community.[6]

One of Elisabeth's most remarkable achievements unfolded in the aftermath of her husband's passing when she undertook the completion and publication of the seminal work "Prodromus astronomiae" in 1690.[6][5] This monumental piece of astronomical literature meticulously documented the positions and relevant data for 1,564 stars.[5] Beyond being a significant advancement in celestial observation and recording, this work became a cornerstone in the evolving landscape of astronomical knowledge during the 17th century.[3]

Elisabeth's role in the "Prodromus astronomiae" extended beyond the conventional boundaries of data collection.[6] She emerged as an active participant in the complex calculations and methodologies inherent in producing a comprehensive star catalog.[5] Her contributions were not merely quantitative but qualitative, signifying a meticulous and systematic approach to astronomical research.[6] In doing so, she left an enduring mark on the field, paving the way for advancements that would shape the trajectory of astronomy in the years to come.[5]

The collaborative efforts of Elisabeth and Johannes Hevelius in observing the celestial realm were marked by the use of advanced astronomical instruments.[6][7] Their observatory in Danzig became a hub of innovation, where they employed sophisticated tools such as brass sextants and octants.[7] These instruments, more than mere artifacts of technology, played an instrumental role in refining observational techniques of the 17th century.[6] Through their adept use, Elisabeth and Johannes contributed significantly to the evolution of astronomical methodology, enabling precise measurements and observations that propelled the understanding of celestial bodies to new heights.[7]

Elisabeth's commitment to education and knowledge acquisition, manifested in her self-driven mastery of Latin and active involvement in intricate astronomical calculations, exemplifies a dedication that transcends individual achievements.[7] It represents a broader commitment to advancing scientific ideas, fostering collaboration, and leaving a lasting legacy in the annals of astronomical history.[5] Her meticulous and systematic approach, coupled with the innovative use of advanced instruments, stands as a testament to the significant contributions Elisabeth made to the progress of celestial observation and scientific methodology during her remarkable era.[7]

A complimentary remark was always made about Madam Hevelius, who was the first woman, to my knowledge, who was not frightened to face the fatigue of making astronomical observations and calculations.

In Culture

Elisabeth's life was dramatized in the German language historical novel Die Sternjägerin (The Star Huntress)(2006).[8]

The minor planet 12625 Koopman is named in her honour, as is the crater Corpman on Venus.

Notes

  1. ↑ Nicolaes Koopman x Johanna Mennincx, 13 october 1633, Stadsarchief Amsterdam, both from Hamburg ('van Hamborgh')
  2. ↑ Hockey, Thomas (2009). The Biographical Encyclopedia of Astronomers. Springer Publishing. ISBN 978-0-387-31022-0. Retrieved August 22, 2012.
  3. 1 2 3 Stories of Women Stargazers, Dora Musielak, March 30, 2009
  4. ↑ Gotthilf Löschin: Geschichte Danzigs von der ältesten bis zur neuesten Zeit: mit beständiger Rücksicht auf Cultur der Sitten, Wissenschaften, Künste, Gewerbe und Handelszweige, Volume 1, 1828
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Reser, Anna; Mceill, Leila (2021). Forces of nature; the women who changed science. London: Frances Lincoln. ISBN 9780711248977.
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Gelbart, Nina. "Adjusting the Lens: Locating Early Modern Women of Science". Early Modern Women.
  7. 1 2 3 4 5 Vertesi, Janet. "Instrument Images: The Visual Rhetoric of Self-Presentation in Hevelius's Machina Coelestis". The British Journal for the History of Science. 43: 209–243.
  8. ↑ Eric Walz, Die Sternjägerin. Blanvalet Taschenbuch Verlag. 2006. ISBN 3442365236.

References

  • Ogilvie, Marilyn Bailey. "Hevelius, Elisabetha Koopman". In: Women in Science, The MIT Press, 1986, p. 99 ISBN 0-262-15031-X (Short encyclopedia article)
  • Walz, E. 2006. The Star Huntress. Random House/Bertelsmann. ISBN 978-3-442-36523-4 (Historical novel)
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