An asteroid has been named in honor of Annie Walker, a Victorian-era astronomer whose contributions at the University of Cambridge have been recognized over a century later. Walker worked for 25 years as a 'computer' at Cambridge Observatory, assisting male colleagues with calculations related to star and planet positions. Recent research has highlighted her significant role, revealing that she observed all 1,585 stars in an Appendix published under her name 16 years after leaving the observatory.
Her work was initially noted by colleagues Professor John Couch Adams and First Assistant Andrew Graham but not by their successor, Professor Robert Ball. Researchers Mark Hurn from Cambridge's Institute of Astronomy and Roger Hutchins from Magdalen College, Oxford, uncovered Walker's career through historical records. "There’s something of a tragedy to this," said Hurn about her lack of recognition during her lifetime.
Walker began working part-time at the observatory at age 15 while waiting to take mathematics exams. Promoted to full-time status at 18 due to her mathematical skills, she earned £10 per quarter plus room and coal allowances. Despite being paid £90 annually by 1895—making her the highest-paid woman in British astronomy—her career stalled when Ball became Director in 1892.
In 1903, Walker resigned and emigrated to Australia where she was listed as an 'astronomer' on electoral rolls but did not continue observing due to restrictions on women. She passed away in Melbourne in 1940.
The researchers are seeking more information about Walker's life and any photographs of her. "The really sad thing is that we haven’t been able to find a photograph of her," said Hurn.
Cambridge’s Institute of Astronomy secured International Astronomical Union naming for an asteroid now called ‘(5400) Anniewalker = 1989 CM’. "It’s wonderful news," said Hurn about this tribute.
Stephanie Buttigieg from the Women's Network at the Institute remarked on Walker's inspiring story: “Astronomy back then would have been a typically male career... Representation is so important.”