Sir John Herschel
John Herschel, besides continuing his father’s astronomical research, was a versatile individual who excelled in mathematics, chemistry, photography, geology, and meteorology. He was a close associate of George Biddell Airy, the seventh Astronomer Royal, and together they undertook numerous initiatives that shaped the Royal Observatory’s operations in the early 19th century.
Herschel revolutionized astronomy, advanced philosophical science, dabbled in botany with his wife, and is credited with inventing photography. He originated the use of the Julian day system, was a founding member of the Astronomical Society in 1820, and remained committed to his scientific pursuits until his passing in May 1871.
