Elżbieta Heweliusz

The Remarkable Woman Behind Astronomer Jan Heweliusz

Our Polish episode being produced by ORKA in Warsaw is about Elżbieta Heweliusz, a beautiful and well-educated daughter of a wealthy merchant from Gdańsk, who was married at the age of sixteen to the astronomer Jan Heweliusz. Her husband, who was many years older, lived in a luxurious home visited by kings and powerful lords, artists and scholars from all over Europe. 

Although he married Elżbieta, he remained attached to his mistress. This unhappy marriage may have destroyed the young woman’s hope for true love, but it did provide her entrance to the world of science dominated by men. Elżbieta Katarzyna Heweliusz was recognized as the first female astronomer by the King of Poland, Jan III Sobieski. In fact, he provided funds to continue the research interrupted by her husband's death.