Friedrich Bessel

Astronomer celebrated for stellar parallax.

Friedrich Bessel - Astronomer celebrated for stellar parallax.
Born

July 22nd, 1784
240 years ago

Died

March 17th, 1846
178 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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