Friedrich Bessel
Astronomer celebrated for stellar parallax.
Born
July 22nd, 1784
240 years ago
Died
March 17th, 1846
179 years ago — 61 years old
Category
Scientists & Innovators
Country
Germany
Links & References
Contributed significantly to the fields of astronomy and mathematics. Developed methods for measuring stellar parallax, providing evidence for the heliocentric model and establishing the first accurate metric system of astronomy. Worked on the precise measurement of star positions and created Bessel functions, aiding potential solutions in physical problems. The first person to successfully identify the distance to a star beyond the solar system.
Measured the parallax of 61 Cygni
Developed Bessel functions
Created accurate astronomical star catalogs
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