What was Maria Mitchells outfit?

Answer 1

What an idea for a Halloween costume! One would have to do some research as to what the approved costume for women of her period was, It should be noted an astronomer, unlike an astronaut, does not have any specific occupational costume or uniform, let alone helmets, etc. My Guess a Lab Coat over more feminine garb would be a good idea. She might have something akin to a so-called shower helmet( try the beach costume shops) which would keep the hair out of her face when working with a telescope at an exposed mountain-peak observatory. This is in a sense occupational get-up and quite functional but not really a standard costume, it would be quite practical though, like the soft summer type flight helmet worn by Earhart. Ideally she should be carrying a small, say (nautical) telescope or binoculars, again the older the style the better. Could also have some astronomical tables in her lab coat pocket again the occupational angle. a Good idea . as far as we know she was the first Professional woman astronomer in the uS and discovered a comet, not many astonomers do that- Halley did not discover the comet that bears his name, but did trace its course and predict its return. He never actually saw it! And Halleys traces back to k,among other events the Norman Conquest at l066AD.(it is depicted in daylight on the Bayeux Tapestry! A Brand new shining star! Good Luck on your project. Female astronomer, that"s an interesting costume concept!