Comets

Maria was born in Nantucket, USA. Her family made sure that all 10 of their children were well-educated, the girls and the boys. Maria also read about lots of topics in the local library, where her mother worked. Her father was a teacher and his hobby was astronomy.

Caroline was born in Hanover, Germany. Her father had been an army musician, but had to retire due to ill health before Caroline was born. Caroline herself had typhus when she was 10 years old. The illness stunted her growth at 4 foot 3 inches and left her with vision loss in one eye.

Caroline's mother thought she should find work as a house servant when she was older. She learned to read and write, but she did not attend school. However, her father sometimes tutored her or included her in the lessons he gave to her brothers.

Edmond was born in London, UK. 

When he was young, he was very interested in maths and astronomy. His wealthy family paid for his education and bought him a 24-foot-long telescope. 

Aged 17, he went to Oxford University to study science.