Heinrich Wilhelm Matthias Olbers
German physician and astronomer, comet discoverer
Born
October 11th, 1758
266 years ago
Died
March 2nd, 1840
185 years ago — 81 years old
Category
Scientists & Innovators
Country
Germany
Links & References
Born in 1758 in Germany, a physician and astronomer contributed significantly to the understanding of comets and celestial bodies. Olbers is best recognized for the discovery of several comets, including the 1815 discovery of the comet that bears his name, Olbers' Comet. He formulated Olbers' Paradox, which questions why the night sky is dark if the universe is infinite and filled with stars. This paradox has played an important role in cosmological discussions and theories regarding the universe's structure. Olbers' work also includes contributions to the fields of celestial mechanics and the development of a star catalog. He passed away in 1840.
Discovered Olbers' Comet
Formulated Olbers' Paradox
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