Aglaonice (c. 200 BC) was an astronomer from Thessaly, Greece. She is regarded as the first female astronomer in ancient Greece.

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As a skilled astronomer, Aglaonice was able to accurately calculate and predict the occurrences of total lunar eclipses. She was so good at these predictions that many believed her to be a sorceress, and audiences would gather to watch her make the moon disappear and reappear in the sky.

 

A number of female astrologers, often viewed as sorceresses, known as the ‘witches of Thessaly’ were associated with Aglaonice. She’s also mentioned in the writings of authors such as Plato and Plutarch, the latter writing:

 

"Thoroughly acquainted with the periods of the full moon when it is subject to eclipse, and, knowing beforehand the time when the moon was due to be overtaken by the earth's shadow, imposed upon the women, and made them all believe that she was drawing down the moon."

 

There is even an ancient Greek proverb about her; “Yes, as the moon obeys Aglaonice.” One of the craters on Venus is named after her.