Pierre Méchain
French astronomer and geodesist
Born
August 16th, 1744
280 years ago
Died
1804
221 years ago — 60 years old
Category
Scientists & Innovators
Country
France
Links & References
Contributions to astronomy and geodesy included the surveying of the meridian arc between Dunkirk and Barcelona, which helped define the metric system. Méchain collaborated with François Arago and contributed to the establishment of the first definitive measurement of the meter based on the meridian. His work aided in the'standardization of measurements across France. Méchain's involvement in cartography significantly influenced map-making techniques in the late 18th century. He participated in various scientific missions and was a member of the French Academy of Sciences.
Surveyed the meridian arc for the metric system
Collaborated with François Arago on geodesy
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