Astronomy Picture of the Day . Maria Mitchell Inspires a Generation . ... 16.10.1999 . ... On October 1, 1847 Maria Mitchell swept the sky with her telescope and discovered a comet (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 . ... October 1999 . ... NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings, and Disclaimers . ... U. Based on Astronomy Picture Of the Day . ...