Astronomy Picture of the Day . Maria Mitchell Inspires a Generation . ... 1.10.1997 . ... Today is the 150th anniversary of the day Maria Mitchell swept the sky with her telescope and discovered the comet of 1847 (comet Mitchell 1847VI). Honored and recognized internationally for her discovery, Mitchell , who lived from 1818 to 1889, became one of the most famous American scientists of her day. ... Tomorrow's picture: Colliding Supernova Remnants . ... U. Based on Astronomy Picture Of the Day ...