Astronomie des dames

With his Entretiens sur la pluralité des mondes (1686), Fontenelle opened up an era of diffusion of knowledge for a female audience. Encouraged by the book's huge success, many authors followed the trend, in particular in Italy and in England. The science of the stars, mainly based on observation, was particularly suited to such enterprises. These 'Astronomies for Women5 usually took the form of a dialogue between a knowledgeable man and a woman avid for learning. Whilst most Enlightenment women were satisfied with this initiation through reading, a few crossed over to the actual practice of astronomy. In the shadow of their great man, they observed, carried out the calculations rendered necessary by the ephemeris or drew up charts of eclipses. The century which followed was not to offer such a proliferation of quality publications or vocations of female astronomers. It is thus not excessive to describe the 18th century as the golden age of women's astronomy.Le Lay Colette. Astronomie des dames. In: Dix-huitième Siècle, n°36, 2004. Femmes des Lumières. pp. 303-312