An Unusual Orbit: The Life and Discoveries of Carolyn Shoemaker

Not everything in our solar system follows a tidy, near-circular orbit, and not every scientist follows a typical, traditional path. Carolyn Shoemaker was unexpectedly pulled into science at nearly age 50, and despite her lack of scientific background, she went on to change our understanding of the solar system by discovering over 800 asteroids and comets, including the famous Shoemaker-Levy 9. Along with her husband and scientific partner, Gene, she held a particular interest in asteroids with strange planet-crossing orbits, since their impacts have huge implications for life on Earth. Shoemaker recently passed away at the age of 92 in August 2021, leaving behind a legacy of science built on community and collaboration. This talk will describe her unique path into astronomy, her scientific endeavors and accomplishments, and—as Carolyn said—how "science and society cannot help but be intertwined" and the importance of fruitful, enjoyable collaboration.