Maria Winckelmann Kirch

[susanreads]

She is an astronomer, March:

Maria Winckelmann Kirch

1670-1720

Maria Winckelmann Kirch was a German astronomer who discovered the "Comet of 1702." She made important observations and wrote many different scientific papers. Her analyses of the aurora borealis were collected in a text published in 1707, and her work on the conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn with the Sun was published in 1712. In addition, she produced calendars of astronomical events together with her husband, Gottfried Kirch, who was also an astronomer. Two of their daughters and one of their sons also dedicated themselves to astronomy.

The "Comet of 1702" was the first comet to be discovered by a woman.

After the death of Gottfried, Maria continued working for the Berlin Academy of Science, even though she had no official appointment.

On the calendar there's also an artist's impression of Maria using a telescope.

I found a more detailed biographical article, with references, on answers.com.