Carolyn Shoemaker Carolyn has found more than 800 asteroids and 32 comets. Her co-discovery, with husband Gene and David Levy, of Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 in 1993. The comet was ripped apart by gravitational forces on a near collision with Jupiter in 1992. A string of 21 icy fragments continued in orbit until impacting the planet in 1994.

Gene Shoemaker was the inventor and a legend of astrogeology. He was heavily consulted by NASA before and during the Apollo program. Carolyn was working with him in 1997, when the pair was involved in a car crash near Alice Springs, Australia. Her beloved husband was killed instantly, and Carolyn sustained severe injuries. She eventually recovered and continued her observation work.

The work she carries out involves studying photographic plates and films taken 45 minutes to an hour apart of the night sky. The technique uses a stereoscope, allowing the researcher to view two plates or films simultaneously. Asteroids and comets appear to "float" above the flat surface of the stars.

When she finds a new comet, "I want to dance." It is this exuberance of spirit, which she is able to impart to the public in lectures and public presentations around the world.

TIME:10:00 AM Friday Talks 2