FOUNDER of ASTROPHYSICS

In the late 19th century three scientists Lockyer, Huggins and Janssen revolutionalised the study of the stars by initiating the use of new techniques in astronomy called spectroscopy. Spectroscopy had previously only been used in physics laboratories and its use in astronomy was one of the first bridges between astronomy and physics.

As a result Lockyer, Huggins and Janssen are regarded as some of the founders of astrophysics.

Lockyer built his first telescope in about 1865. He borrowed the objective lens from Thomas Cooke and made his own lens mounting using paper mache then suspended the arrangement from a wooden frame. With this telescope he made the most accurate lunar maps of the time and studied Mars. He also made his most famous discoveries using this telescope after it had been modified with a spectroscope.

Lockyer 6-inch telescope.

Archaeoastronomy Eclipses Helium Knighthood NATURE
Observatory Sir Norman Lockyer Solar Research Stellar Research Teacher

Return to main page