Waltraut Seitter: The first professor of astronomy in Münster and her legacy

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Science history: First astronomer in German chair

Waltraut Seitter is recognized as a pioneer in the astronomy of German science history. Her appointment as a proper professor of astronomy at the University of Münster in 1975 was a milestone because she was the first woman in Germany to hold such a chair. Previously, a name had made a name for itself through their extensive research in Bonn and the USA, including in the areas of spectroscopy and stellar statistics. Her return to Germany was both friendly and family -like, since she had the desire to be close to her sick mother.

research and developments in Münster

After her appointment in Münster, the research profile of the Astronomical Institute began to sharpen the research profile. The need to build new infrastructures was crucial to intensify the scientific work. Her achievements include the purchase of a microdensitometer that revolutionized the analysis of astronomical data. Seepers showed itself as a strategic thinker by focusing on the analysis of photo sheets and examining the red shift of galaxies.

International connections and promotion of young scientists

not only maintained close contacts with American institutes, but was also involved at an international level, especially in Chile. Her work led to the acquisition of over a million D-Mark from the German Research Foundation as part of the Münster Redshift Project, which has been shown to make a significant contribution to astronomy. Until 1989, her team was able to document impressive 40,000 red shifts from galaxies, which is considered extraordinary in the scientific community.

Approval and influence on future generations

Seeper work was recognized in the science community, and it was again an inspiration for many of her students. Their expressions of passion for astronomy and their dealings with challenges sharpened the awareness that women play an important role in the natural sciences. The then Minister of Science Anke Brunn emphasized that with her remarkable achievements refuted common prejudices and taking a place in astronomy, which for many - both women and men - serves as a model.