Sir William Herschel
1738 -1822
The founder of modern stellar astronomy, his discovery of Uranus in
1781 was the first identification of a planet in modern times. Herschel
developed the theory of nebulas and the evolution of stars. He
catalogued many binary stars and made important modifications to the
reflecting telescope. William Herschel also demonstrated that the solar
system moves through space and he discovered infrared radiation.
Born in Hanover , Germany, he moved to Bath, England, when he was 18
years of age to work as a musician. Later he taught music, composed and
conducted.
Astronomer & Musician
If you have an interest in any aspect of astronomy, the Society can
help you to expand that interest. Regular meetings are held which cover a
diverse range of topics of interest to members. Members, both local and
international, are drawn together by common interests which include not
only the life and times of William Herschel and his Family but also the
current and future aspects of astronomy and its related sciences.
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