Fiammetta Wilson

Fiammetta Wilson (born Helen Frances Worthington; 19 July 186421 July 1920) was a British astronomer elected a fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society in 1916.

Early life and education Fiammetta Wilson was born Helen Frances Worthington on 19 July 1864 to Helen Felicite Worthington (nee Till; 1839–1922) and Francis Samuel Worthington (1837–1912) of Lowestoft, Suffolk. She had four younger siblings, two brothers and two sisters. Her father was a physician and a surgeon with a strong interest in the natural sciences. After he retired he spent time doing microscopical studies, and encouraged Fiammetta to study her natural surroundings. She was educated by governesses, went to schools in Germany and Switzerland, and was trained as a musician in Italy.

Marriages and identity On 29 October 1889, Helen Frances Worthington married Herbert William Webster (1864–1922) at St Gabriel's Church, Pimlico, London. Webster was a singer and music teacher in a family of clergymen. The couple separated, possibly around the summer of 1898. As a member, she observed and published data on auroras, the zodiacal light, comets, and meteors.

Other interests Wilson enjoyed dancing and studying foreign languages such as Italian, French, and German. She loved animals, always kept a dog by her side, and was a very talented horsewoman. She was also an avid traveler and visited Canada and the United States after spending a year in Italy. Before she became interested in astronomy, she wrote numerous short stories that appeared in magazines.

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