Astronomer Biographies
Read more about the astronomers who have changed our view of the universe over the centuries. Find biographies of ancient astronomers, modern astrophysicists and everything in between.
Govindasvami Biography
Govindasvami was an Indian mathematical astronomer who was born about 800 AD. Unfortunately, not enough is known about his life. His most famous treatise was a commentary on the Mahabhaskariya of Bhaskara I. The Mahabhaskariya was written in about 600 AD and is an eight chapter work on Indian mathematical astronomy. Govindasvami was about 30 when he wrote the Bhasya. Mathemeticians find Govindasvami's commentary interesting.
Govindasvami was an Indian mathematical astronomer who was born about 800 AD. Unfortunately, not enough is known about his life. His most famous treatise was a commentary on the Mahabhaskariya of Bhaskara I. The Mahabhaskariya was written in about 600 AD and is an eight chapter work on Indian mathematical astronomy. Govindasvami was about 30 when he wrote the Bhasya. Mathemeticians find Govindasvami's commentary interesting.
Doctor Harvey Washington Banks
Harvey Washington Banks was born on February 7, 1923, in Atlantic City, NJ to Nettie Lee Jackson and Harvey Banks, Sr. At a very young age, he moved to Washington, DC, where he later attended Dunbar High School. In 1961 he became the first African American to receive a Ph.D. in astronomy.
Harvey Washington Banks was born on February 7, 1923, in Atlantic City, NJ to Nettie Lee Jackson and Harvey Banks, Sr. At a very young age, he moved to Washington, DC, where he later attended Dunbar High School. In 1961 he became the first African American to receive a Ph.D. in astronomy.
James Webb Space Telescope Project Scientist Wins Nobel Prize for Physics
John C. Mather, a senior astrophysicist at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center and senior project scientist for the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), has won the 2006 Nobel Physics Prize. awarded by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences. Mather shares the prize with George F. Smoot of the University of California for their collaborative work on understanding the Big Bang.
John C. Mather, a senior astrophysicist at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center and senior project scientist for the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), has won the 2006 Nobel Physics Prize. awarded by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences. Mather shares the prize with George F. Smoot of the University of California for their collaborative work on understanding the Big Bang.
Comet Hunter Yuji Hyakutake Dies
Amateur Astronomer, Comet hunter, Yuji Hyakutake dies at age 51. This star gazer will be greatly missed in the amateur astronomy community. Thoughts will turn to him when the comet bearing his name returns.
Amateur Astronomer, Comet hunter, Yuji Hyakutake dies at age 51. This star gazer will be greatly missed in the amateur astronomy community. Thoughts will turn to him when the comet bearing his name returns.
James A. Van Allen Biography
James A. Van Allen (1914-2006) was a pathbreaking astrophysicist best known for his work in magnetospheric physics. James A. Van Allen retired from the University of Iowa in 1985 to become Carver Professor of Physics, Emeritus, after having served as the head of the Department of Physics and Astronomy from 1951. He died of heart failure at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City on August 9, 2006.
James A. Van Allen (1914-2006) was a pathbreaking astrophysicist best known for his work in magnetospheric physics. James A. Van Allen retired from the University of Iowa in 1985 to become Carver Professor of Physics, Emeritus, after having served as the head of the Department of Physics and Astronomy from 1951. He died of heart failure at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City on August 9, 2006.
Autolycus of Pitane Biography
Autolycus of Pitane is a bit hard to pin down. Using various sources and references, we can guess that he was born about 360 BC in Pitane, Aeolis, Asia Minor (now Turkey). Little is known about his life, but Euclid references some of his work and Autolycus of Pitane taught Arcesilaus. Autolycus of Pitane died about 290 BC.
Autolycus of Pitane is a bit hard to pin down. Using various sources and references, we can guess that he was born about 360 BC in Pitane, Aeolis, Asia Minor (now Turkey). Little is known about his life, but Euclid references some of his work and Autolycus of Pitane taught Arcesilaus. Autolycus of Pitane died about 290 BC.
Aristotle Pictures Gallery
Aristotle was born around 384 BC in Stagirus, Greece. Around the age of 17, Aristotle became a student at Plato's Academy in Athens. Aristotle was so impressive as a student that he soon became a teacher, himself, remaining at the academy for 20 years. In 335 BC Aristotle traveled to Athens with his circle of assistants to staff his new school, the Lyceum. Two areas which he advanced, which are of particular interest to readers of this site were physics and astronomy. He died at the age of 62.
Aristotle was born around 384 BC in Stagirus, Greece. Around the age of 17, Aristotle became a student at Plato's Academy in Athens. Aristotle was so impressive as a student that he soon became a teacher, himself, remaining at the academy for 20 years. In 335 BC Aristotle traveled to Athens with his circle of assistants to staff his new school, the Lyceum. Two areas which he advanced, which are of particular interest to readers of this site were physics and astronomy. He died at the age of 62.
Pythagoras of Samos Quotations - Quotations By and About Pythagoras of Samos
Pythagoras, the son of Mnesarchus and Pythais, was born on the island of Samos, off the coast of Asia Minor (what is now mostly Turkey), about 569 BC. Besides his contributions to mathematics, Pythagoras was essential to the early field of astronomy. As Plato later would believe, Pythagoras felt the sphere was the perfect shape. This may have lead to his assertion that the Earth was a sphere. He realized the orbit of the Moon was inclined to the equator of the Earth.
Pythagoras, the son of Mnesarchus and Pythais, was born on the island of Samos, off the coast of Asia Minor (what is now mostly Turkey), about 569 BC. Besides his contributions to mathematics, Pythagoras was essential to the early field of astronomy. As Plato later would believe, Pythagoras felt the sphere was the perfect shape. This may have lead to his assertion that the Earth was a sphere. He realized the orbit of the Moon was inclined to the equator of the Earth.
Ptolemy Pictures
Pictures of Ptolemy (aka Claudius Ptolemaeus, Ptolomaeus, Klaudios Ptolemaios, Ptolemeus) who lived in Alexandria, Egypt. An astronomer and geographer, these pictures of Ptolemy show the creator of the Ptolemaic Earth-Centered System. Discover pictures of Ptolemy from a number of sources.
Pictures of Ptolemy (aka Claudius Ptolemaeus, Ptolomaeus, Klaudios Ptolemaios, Ptolemeus) who lived in Alexandria, Egypt. An astronomer and geographer, these pictures of Ptolemy show the creator of the Ptolemaic Earth-Centered System. Discover pictures of Ptolemy from a number of sources.
Sir Isaac Newton Quotations - Words of Wisdom - Quotations By and About Sir Isaac Newton
Quotations from and about Sir Isaac Newton, the man who developed the laws of universal gravitation.
Quotations from and about Sir Isaac Newton, the man who developed the laws of universal gravitation.
Anaxagoras of Clazomenae Biography
Anaxagoras of Clazomenae was an Ionian, born in Clazomenae, Lydia (now Turkey) in 499 BC to a wealthy family. Few details of his early life are know, except that he lived much of it in Ionia where he gave up his material possessions to devote his life to science. Anaxagoras died in Lampsacus, Mysia (now Turkey) 428 BC. The anniversary of his death became a holiday for schoolchildren.
Anaxagoras of Clazomenae was an Ionian, born in Clazomenae, Lydia (now Turkey) in 499 BC to a wealthy family. Few details of his early life are know, except that he lived much of it in Ionia where he gave up his material possessions to devote his life to science. Anaxagoras died in Lampsacus, Mysia (now Turkey) 428 BC. The anniversary of his death became a holiday for schoolchildren.
Aristarchus of Samos Biography
Aristarchus of Samos was a Greek astronomer and mathematician who lived from approximately 310BC through approximately 250BC. Although Aristarchus was occasionally written about by early scientists and philosophers, especially Archimedes, very little is known about his life. Aristarchus was a student of Strato of Lampsacus, head of Aristotle's Lyceum. These studies apparently did not take place in Athens, but rather during the time when Strato was head of the Lyceum at Alexandria.
Aristarchus of Samos was a Greek astronomer and mathematician who lived from approximately 310BC through approximately 250BC. Although Aristarchus was occasionally written about by early scientists and philosophers, especially Archimedes, very little is known about his life. Aristarchus was a student of Strato of Lampsacus, head of Aristotle's Lyceum. These studies apparently did not take place in Athens, but rather during the time when Strato was head of the Lyceum at Alexandria.
Aristotle Biography
Aristotle (Greek Αριστοτέλης Aristotelēs) (384 BC – March 7, 322 BC) was an ancient Greek philosopher. Along with Plato, he is often considered to be one of the two most influential philosophers in Western thought.
Aristotle (Greek Αριστοτέλης Aristotelēs) (384 BC – March 7, 322 BC) was an ancient Greek philosopher. Along with Plato, he is often considered to be one of the two most influential philosophers in Western thought.
Banneker, Benjamin Biography - First African American Astronomer
Benjamin Banneker was an African-American astronomer, clockmaker, & publisher who was instrumental in surveying the District of Columbia. Banneker taught himself astronomy & advanced mathematics. He turned his attention to both subjects.
Benjamin Banneker was an African-American astronomer, clockmaker, & publisher who was instrumental in surveying the District of Columbia. Banneker taught himself astronomy & advanced mathematics. He turned his attention to both subjects.
Brahe, Tycho Biography
Tycho Brahe was born in 1546 in Knudstrup, which currently is in southern Sweden but was a part of Denmark at the time. While attending the universities of Copenhagen and Leipzig to study law and philosophy, he became interested in Astronomy and spent most evenings studying the stars.
Tycho Brahe was born in 1546 in Knudstrup, which currently is in southern Sweden but was a part of Denmark at the time. While attending the universities of Copenhagen and Leipzig to study law and philosophy, he became interested in Astronomy and spent most evenings studying the stars.
Brown, Dr. Beth A. Biography - NASA Astrophysicist
Dr. Beth A. Brown Biography - NASA Astrophysicist. Dr. Beth A. Brown grew up in Roanoke, VA with her parents, younger brother, and older cousin. In elementary school and junior high, she participated in science fairs working on projects that had nothing to do with astronomy.
Dr. Beth A. Brown Biography - NASA Astrophysicist. Dr. Beth A. Brown grew up in Roanoke, VA with her parents, younger brother, and older cousin. In elementary school and junior high, she participated in science fairs working on projects that had nothing to do with astronomy.
Bruno, Giordano Biography
Filippo (Giordano) Bruno was born in Nola, Italy in 1548. His father was Giovanni Bruno, a soldier, and his mother was Fraulissa Savolino. In 1561, he enrolled in school at the Monastery of Saint Domenico, best known for its famous member, Thomas Aquinas. Giordano Bruno was tortured and burned for his beliefs of the universe.
Filippo (Giordano) Bruno was born in Nola, Italy in 1548. His father was Giovanni Bruno, a soldier, and his mother was Fraulissa Savolino. In 1561, he enrolled in school at the Monastery of Saint Domenico, best known for its famous member, Thomas Aquinas. Giordano Bruno was tortured and burned for his beliefs of the universe.
Copernicus, Nicolaus Biography
Biography of Nicolaus Copernicus - Disputer of the Ptolemaic System, Creator of the Copernican System. Learn more about Nicolaus Copernicus.
Biography of Nicolaus Copernicus - Disputer of the Ptolemaic System, Creator of the Copernican System. Learn more about Nicolaus Copernicus.
deGrasse Tyson, Dr. Neil Biography
Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson Biography. Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson is the Frederick P. Rose Director of the Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History and Visiting Research Scientist and Lecturer at Princeton University.
Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson Biography. Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson is the Frederick P. Rose Director of the Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History and Visiting Research Scientist and Lecturer at Princeton University.
Einstein, Albert Biography
Hermann Einstein, a featherbed salesman who later ran an electrochemical works and Pauline Koch were married in Stuttgart-Bad Cannstatt, Germany. Their son, Albert Einstein was born on March 14, 1879 in Ulm, Württemberg, Germany. Six weeks after Albert's birth, the family moved to Munich. Albert Einstein died on April 18, 1955 in Princeton, New Jersey.
Hermann Einstein, a featherbed salesman who later ran an electrochemical works and Pauline Koch were married in Stuttgart-Bad Cannstatt, Germany. Their son, Albert Einstein was born on March 14, 1879 in Ulm, Württemberg, Germany. Six weeks after Albert's birth, the family moved to Munich. Albert Einstein died on April 18, 1955 in Princeton, New Jersey.
Eratosthenes of Cyrene
Eratosthenes of Cyrene lived approximately 275-195 BC. He was born in Cyrene which is now in Libya in North Africa. He studied with the scholar Lysanias of Cyrene and the philosopher Ariston of Chios who had studied under Zeno, the founder of the Stoic school of philosophy.
Eratosthenes of Cyrene lived approximately 275-195 BC. He was born in Cyrene which is now in Libya in North Africa. He studied with the scholar Lysanias of Cyrene and the philosopher Ariston of Chios who had studied under Zeno, the founder of the Stoic school of philosophy.
Fleming, Williamina Biography
Williamina Paton Stevens was born on May 15, 1857 in Dundee, Scotland, to Robert Stevens and Mary Walker Stevens. She attended public schools in Dundee until the age of 14, then taught as a pupil-teacher until her marriage to James Fleming in 1877. Soon after, she was appointed honorary fellow in astronomy of Wellesley College.
Williamina Paton Stevens was born on May 15, 1857 in Dundee, Scotland, to Robert Stevens and Mary Walker Stevens. She attended public schools in Dundee until the age of 14, then taught as a pupil-teacher until her marriage to James Fleming in 1877. Soon after, she was appointed honorary fellow in astronomy of Wellesley College.
Galilei, Galileo - Quotations By and About Galileo Galilei
Galileo Galilei - Words of Wisdom. Quotations from and about Galileo Galilei. I would say here something that was heard from an ecclesiastic of the most eminent degree; ‘That the intention of the Holy Ghost is to teach us how one goes to heaven, not how the heaven goes.’
Galileo Galilei - Words of Wisdom. Quotations from and about Galileo Galilei. I would say here something that was heard from an ecclesiastic of the most eminent degree; ‘That the intention of the Holy Ghost is to teach us how one goes to heaven, not how the heaven goes.’
Galilei, Galileo - Resources & Biography
Read about the life and work of Galileo Galilei, perhaps the greatest scientist of all time, who went from genius to heretic and back again. Galileo Galilei, first used telescopes for scientific purposes, refined telescopes beyond being toys, demonstrated key points of gravity, and modernized science. Galileo Galilei - Resources Dealing With The Astronomer Galileo Galilei
Read about the life and work of Galileo Galilei, perhaps the greatest scientist of all time, who went from genius to heretic and back again. Galileo Galilei, first used telescopes for scientific purposes, refined telescopes beyond being toys, demonstrated key points of gravity, and modernized science. Galileo Galilei - Resources Dealing With The Astronomer Galileo Galilei
Halley, Edmund Biography
Edmund Halley was born October 29, 1656 in Haggerston, Shoreditch, England,son of a wealthy soap-maker in London. Best remembered because of a comet named for him, he was so much more than just a comet.
Edmund Halley was born October 29, 1656 in Haggerston, Shoreditch, England,son of a wealthy soap-maker in London. Best remembered because of a comet named for him, he was so much more than just a comet.
Herschel, Caroline Lucretia Biography
From an early age, it seemed the deck was stacked against Caroline Lucretia Herschel. Born March 16, 1750 in Hannover, Germany, in an age when women were second class citizens, she was the fifth of six children, including her brother, William. Scarred at the age of three by smallpox, which disfigured her left eye and pock-marked her cheeks, her growth was stunted by typhus when she was ten.
From an early age, it seemed the deck was stacked against Caroline Lucretia Herschel. Born March 16, 1750 in Hannover, Germany, in an age when women were second class citizens, she was the fifth of six children, including her brother, William. Scarred at the age of three by smallpox, which disfigured her left eye and pock-marked her cheeks, her growth was stunted by typhus when she was ten.
Herschel, William Biography
Sir Wilhelm Friedrich Herschel (November 15, 1738 Hanover - August 25, 1822 Windsor) was a German-born astronomer and composer who became famous for discovering the planet Uranus, and made many other astronomical discoveries.
Sir Wilhelm Friedrich Herschel (November 15, 1738 Hanover - August 25, 1822 Windsor) was a German-born astronomer and composer who became famous for discovering the planet Uranus, and made many other astronomical discoveries.
Hipparchus of Rhodes Biography
Hipparchus of Rhodes was born around 190 BC in Nicaea, Bithynia (now known as now Iznik,Turkey). Hipparchus divided a circle into 360 degrees was the inventor of trigonometry. Hipparchus calculated the length of the year to within 6 1/2 minutes and discovered the precession of equinoxes. His star catalogue included around 850 stars. He also made a careful study of the motions of the moon. He died around 120 BC most likely in Rhodes, Greece.
Hipparchus of Rhodes was born around 190 BC in Nicaea, Bithynia (now known as now Iznik,Turkey). Hipparchus divided a circle into 360 degrees was the inventor of trigonometry. Hipparchus calculated the length of the year to within 6 1/2 minutes and discovered the precession of equinoxes. His star catalogue included around 850 stars. He also made a careful study of the motions of the moon. He died around 120 BC most likely in Rhodes, Greece.
Hypatia of Alexandria
Hypatia of Alexandria was a mathematician, astronomer, and Platonic philosopher. "Reserve your right to think, for even to think wrongly is better than not to think at all," she is credited with saying. "To teach superstitions as truth is a most terrible thing."
Hypatia of Alexandria was a mathematician, astronomer, and Platonic philosopher. "Reserve your right to think, for even to think wrongly is better than not to think at all," she is credited with saying. "To teach superstitions as truth is a most terrible thing."
Kepler, Johannes Biography
Defender of Copernicus, Planetary Lawmaker, Science Fiction Writer; Johannes Kepler, the son of a mercenary soldier and an innkeeper's daughter, was born prematurely just 2 days after Christmas 1571, in Weil der Stadt in Wurttemburg (now part of Germany). He attended the University of Tubingen, where he studied theology and the classics.
Defender of Copernicus, Planetary Lawmaker, Science Fiction Writer; Johannes Kepler, the son of a mercenary soldier and an innkeeper's daughter, was born prematurely just 2 days after Christmas 1571, in Weil der Stadt in Wurttemburg (now part of Germany). He attended the University of Tubingen, where he studied theology and the classics.
Lemaitre, Georges-Henri Biography - Father of the Big Bang Theory
Georges-Henri Lemaître is credited with proposing the Big Bang theory of the origin of the universe, although he called it his 'hypothesis of the primeval atom'. He based his theory, published between 1927 and 1933, on the work of Einstein, among others. Einstein, however, believed in a steady-state model of the universe.
Georges-Henri Lemaître is credited with proposing the Big Bang theory of the origin of the universe, although he called it his 'hypothesis of the primeval atom'. He based his theory, published between 1927 and 1933, on the work of Einstein, among others. Einstein, however, believed in a steady-state model of the universe.
Mitchell, Maria Biography - First Woman Astronomer in the US
Maria Mitchell was born August 1, 1818, in Nantucket, Massachusetts, the third child of William and Lydia Mitchell, a Quaker family with ten children. Although she did attend the Cyrus Peirce School for Young Ladies for a time and was taught by her father, she was primarily self-educated.
Maria Mitchell was born August 1, 1818, in Nantucket, Massachusetts, the third child of William and Lydia Mitchell, a Quaker family with ten children. Although she did attend the Cyrus Peirce School for Young Ladies for a time and was taught by her father, she was primarily self-educated.
Newton, Sir Isaac Biography
It was almost like handing over the reigns, just eleven months apart. Galileo Galilei died at Arcetri, near Florence, on January 8, 1642. More than nine hundred miles away and eleven months later, Hannah Newton gave birth to a premature baby boy on Christmas day near Grantham in Lincolnshire, England.
It was almost like handing over the reigns, just eleven months apart. Galileo Galilei died at Arcetri, near Florence, on January 8, 1642. More than nine hundred miles away and eleven months later, Hannah Newton gave birth to a premature baby boy on Christmas day near Grantham in Lincolnshire, England.
Ptolemy - Journey To The Center Of The Universe - Earth
Ptolemy (aka Claudius Ptolemaeus, Ptolomaeus, Klaudios Ptolemaios, Ptolemeus) lived in Alexandria, Egypt. We know very little of Ptolemy's life, including his birth and death dates. Some experts believe his life spanned the years 87 & 150.
Ptolemy (aka Claudius Ptolemaeus, Ptolomaeus, Klaudios Ptolemaios, Ptolemeus) lived in Alexandria, Egypt. We know very little of Ptolemy's life, including his birth and death dates. Some experts believe his life spanned the years 87 & 150.
Pythagoras of Samos Biography
Pythagoras (582 BC – 496 BC) was an Ionian mathematician and philosopher, known best for formulating the Pythagorean theorem. Known as "the father of numbers", made influential contributions to Greek philosophy and religious teaching in the late 6th century BC. Pythagoras and his students believed that everything was related to mathematics, and felt that everything could be predicted and measured in rhythmic cycles.
Pythagoras (582 BC – 496 BC) was an Ionian mathematician and philosopher, known best for formulating the Pythagorean theorem. Known as "the father of numbers", made influential contributions to Greek philosophy and religious teaching in the late 6th century BC. Pythagoras and his students believed that everything was related to mathematics, and felt that everything could be predicted and measured in rhythmic cycles.
Somerville, Mary Biography
On Dec 26, 1780 Mary Fairfax was born in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Scotland. The daughter of William George Fairfax and his second wife Margaret Charters, Mary was born in the church manse in Jedburgh, the home of her mother's sister Martha Charters and Martha's husband Thomas Somerville. William, a naval officer, was at sea at the time of her birth.
On Dec 26, 1780 Mary Fairfax was born in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Scotland. The daughter of William George Fairfax and his second wife Margaret Charters, Mary was born in the church manse in Jedburgh, the home of her mother's sister Martha Charters and Martha's husband Thomas Somerville. William, a naval officer, was at sea at the time of her birth.
Thales of Miletus Quotations
Quotations attributed to Thales of Miletus.
Quotations attributed to Thales of Miletus.
Thales of Miletus
The Greek philosopher, Thales of Miletus was born around 624BC, the son of Examyes and Cleobuline. While some believe his lineage was Phoenician, most consider him to be Milesian (Miletus, Asia Minor, now Turkey). He came from a distinguished family. It is difficult to write about Thales of Miletus, since none of his own writing survives. Thales of Miletus was an engineer, scientist, mathematician, and philosopher, the first natural philosopher in the Milesian School.
The Greek philosopher, Thales of Miletus was born around 624BC, the son of Examyes and Cleobuline. While some believe his lineage was Phoenician, most consider him to be Milesian (Miletus, Asia Minor, now Turkey). He came from a distinguished family. It is difficult to write about Thales of Miletus, since none of his own writing survives. Thales of Miletus was an engineer, scientist, mathematician, and philosopher, the first natural philosopher in the Milesian School.
Walker, Dr. Arthur Bertram Cuthbert II Biography
Arthur Bertram Cuthbert Walker II was born an only child in Cleveland on Aug. 24, 1936. Dr. Walker served on or chaired a number of NASA, National Science Foundation (NSF), and National Academy of Science (NAS) Committees. He chaired the Advanced Solar Observatory Science Working Group for NASA, and the Astronomy Advisory Committee of the NSF.
Arthur Bertram Cuthbert Walker II was born an only child in Cleveland on Aug. 24, 1936. Dr. Walker served on or chaired a number of NASA, National Science Foundation (NSF), and National Academy of Science (NAS) Committees. He chaired the Advanced Solar Observatory Science Working Group for NASA, and the Astronomy Advisory Committee of the NSF.