Alexander Buchan (meteorologist) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Alexander Buchan
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| Born | 11 April 1829 Kinnesswood, Scotland
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| Died | 13 May 1907 (aged 78) Edinburgh, Scotland
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| Nationality | Scottish |
| Alma mater | University of Edinburgh |
Alexander Buchan (born April 11, 1829 – died May 13, 1907) was a clever Scottish scientist. He studied weather (a meteorologist), oceans (an oceanographer), and plants (a botanist). He is famous for creating the first weather maps. These maps helped people predict the weather much better. He also came up with the idea of "Buchan Spells", which are short periods of unusual weather.
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Who Was Alexander Buchan?
Alexander Buchan was born in Kinnesswood, Scotland. This town is next to Loch Leven. His father was a weaver, making cloth. Alexander went to college in Edinburgh. He studied at the Free Church College and Edinburgh University.
A Career in Weather
Buchan spent 47 years working for the Scottish Meteorological Society. He was their Secretary. From 1860 until he died, he edited their science journal. He also worked for the Meteorological Office. This is the UK's national weather service. He helped set up the Ben Nevis observatory. This observatory was on Scotland's highest mountain. It helped scientists study mountain weather.
Buchan also helped with the Challenger Expedition. This was a huge science trip around the world. He wrote reports about the weather and oceans they found.
Awards and Recognition
Buchan was a very respected scientist. He was chosen to be a member of the Royal Society of Edinburgh in 1868. This is a famous science group. He later became a Vice President. He also won several important awards. These included the Makdougall-Brisbane prize. He also received the Gunning Victoria Jubilee prize.
In 1898, he became a Fellow of the Royal Society of London. This is one of the highest honors for a scientist in the UK. In 1902, he won the first Symons Gold Medal. This medal is given by the Royal Meteorological Society. It honors great work in meteorology.
Later Life and Legacy
Alexander Buchan passed away in Edinburgh in 1907. He is buried in Warriston Cemetery. After he died, a special award was created. It is called the Buchan Prize. This prize honors his memory. It also celebrates the joining of two big weather societies in 1921.
Family
In 1864, Alexander Buchan married Sarah Ritchie. She passed away in 1900.
See Also
- Buchan Bay on Laurie Island named after Alexander Buchan.
- Ordnance Gazetteer of Scotland: A Graphic and Accurate Description of Every Place in Scotland (Buchan contributed its section on Scotland's meteorology)
