Caroline Lucretia Herschel (1750-1848), Astronomer; sister of Sir William Herschel

Sitter in 2 portraits
Despite childhood illnesses and lack of formal education, Caroline Herschel defied contemporary expectations by becoming a celebrated astronomer. Her achievements include preparing an index to Flamsteed's original star catalogue and the discovery of comets using a telescope built specially for her by her brother, william. She was awarded a Gold Medal by the Astronomical Society in 1828, the first woman to achieve such an honour.