Joining the observatory
Fleming emigrated to the United States in 1878 and initially worked as a housekeeper for observatory director Edward C. Pickering. In 1881 she joined the staff analysing astronomical photographs and performing calculations, remaining at the observatory for the rest of her career.
References: [1]
Spectra and discoveries
She helped catalogue more than 10,000 stars and identified numerous variable stars, novae and nebulae, including the Horsehead Nebula on a photographic plate. The 1890 Draper Catalogue appeared under Pickering’s name but acknowledged her major share in measuring, classifying and preparing the spectra for publication.
References: [1]
Classification and supervision
Annie Jump Cannon later revised Fleming’s spectral scheme. Fleming also managed publication of the Henry Draper Memorial and observatory Annals and supervised the women working with the plates, linking observational records to catalogues and published research.