Astronomy | The Schools' Observatory

William Herschel

Occupation

Astronomer & Musician

Year born

1738

Research Areas

Astronomy, Spectroscopy

A portrait of William Herschel, the renowned astronomer who discovered the planet Uranus. He is depicted wearing 18th-century attire with a white cravat and brown coat, looking thoughtfully into the distance

This work by L F Abbott is licensed under Creative Commons Zero v1.0 Universal

Tycho Brahe

Occupation

Astronomer

Year born

1546

Research Areas

Astronomy, Supernovae, Mechanics

A formal portrait of Tycho Brahe, the renowned Danish astronomer, dressed in elaborate 16th-century attire, with a distinctive ruffled collar and gold chains. He holds a sword and is adorned with rings and a medallion. Latin inscriptions are present in the background, along with symbolic illustrations

This work by Wikimedia Sverige is licensed under Creative Commons Zero v1.0 Universal

Isaac Newton

Occupation

Mathematician, Astronomer, and Physicist

Year born

1643

Research Areas

Optics, maths, motion, gravity

A portrait of Sir Isaac Newton, painted by Godfrey Kneller in 1689. Newton is depicted with long, wavy hair, wearing a dark robe, and has a serious, contemplative expression, reflecting his intellectual stature as a key figure in the scientific revolution

This work by G Kneller is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International

Patrick Moore

Occupation

Astronomer, Writer, Broadcaster

Year born

1923

Research Areas

he Moon, the Planets, Star Catalogues

A photograph of Sir Patrick Moore, the British astronomer and broadcaster, wearing a dark suit and blue tie. He appears serious, standing in front of a brick building with part of a sign visible in the background

This work by South Downs Planetarium is licensed under Creative Commons Zero v1.0 Universal

Maria Mitchell

Occupation

Astronomer, Educator, Librarian

Year born

1818

Research Areas

Comets, Solar Eclipse, Planets, Double Stars, Nebulae

A painting of Maria Mitchell. She is sat down, using one hand to hold the end of a telescope whilst she looks through it.

This work by H. Dassel (1851) is licensed under Creative Commons Zero v1.0 Universal

Agnes Clerke

Occupation

Astronomer, Writer

Year born

1842

Research Areas

History of Astronomy, Biographies, Spectroscopy

A black and white portrait photograph of Agnes Clerke.

This work by Hector Macpherson (1905) is licensed under Creative Commons Zero v1.0 Universal

Many people have changed the course of history. These people are often leaders or rulers, but many are scientists. Scientists have made sense of what we see in the night sky. Their work has revealed how our Universe works.

This work by H. Dassel (1851) is licensed under Creative Commons Zero v1.0 Universal

Plan an observation

Stargazing is something that we can all do. You just need to look up at the night sky. But with a little planning, you can make the experience even better.

Night sky view showing a clear starry sky with a prominent bright planet near the horizon, trees silhouetted in the foreground, and a faint glow from distant city lights — Dark Skies!

How Do We Search For Other Planets?

Read more about How Do We Search For Other Planets?

What is a light year?

Read more about What is a light year?

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