George Biddell Airy

Mathematician and astronomer, Royal Astronomer

George Biddell Airy - Scientists & Innovators born 1801
Born

1801
224 years ago

Died
Category

Scientists & Innovators

Country

United Kingdom

Links & References

Contributions to mathematics and astronomy included significant advancements in the field of celestial mechanics and the establishment of precise astronomical measurements. Served as Astronomer Royal from 1835 to 1881, overseeing the Royal Observatory in Greenwich. Involved in the development of the Greenwich Mean Time and played a crucial role in the British Parsec to define the astronomical unit. Airy's mathematical work encompassed various topics, including optics and the theory of errors.

Served as the Astronomer Royal for 46 years

Contributed to the development of the Greenwich Mean Time

Published work on celestial mechanics and optics

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