Colin Campbell (astronomer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Colin Campbell
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Died | 26 January 1752 |
Nationality | Scottish |
Alma mater | University of Glasgow |
Spouse(s) | Margaret Foster |
Scientific career | |
Fields | Astronomy |
Colin Campbell (died 26 January 1752) was a Scottish astronomer. He was born in Scotland but spent much of his life in Jamaica. He passed away in Kingston, Jamaica, in 1752.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Colin Campbell began his studies at the University of Glasgow in 1720. This was an important step in his journey to becoming a scientist.
A Fellow of the Royal Society
In 1733, Colin Campbell became a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS). This is a very special honor given to top scientists. It showed that his work in astronomy was highly respected.
Astronomical Studies and Observations
Campbell was very interested in the ideas of Isaac Newton. He specifically studied Newton's theory about how gravity changes depending on how far you are from the Earth's equator. He also made many important observations of the stars and planets. He shared his findings with other famous scientists, like Edmund Halley, who is known for Halley's Comet.
After 1742, Campbell decided to sell his special astronomy tools. He sold them to another scientist named Alexander Macfarlane.
Life in Jamaica and London
Colin Campbell grew up in Jamaica. He also held an important position there as a Member of the Council in 1742. Later, in 1748, he lived in London, England.
Family Life
Colin Campbell was the son of Colonel John Campbell and Katherine Claiborne. He married Margaret Foster, who later died in London in 1786. They had several children together:
- John Campbell, born on 8 January 1735.
- Elizabeth Campbell, born on 15 December 1736.
- Margaret Jane Campbell, born on 6 January 1739. She passed away in Surrey in September 1771.
- Colin Campbell, born around 1747. He became a Lieutenant Colonel in the 1st Guards and died in London in 1793.
Published Work
Colin Campbell contributed to scientific knowledge through his published work. One of his notable papers was:
- "An Account of Some Observations Made in London, by Mr. George Graham, F.R.S. and at Black-River in Jamaica, by Colin Campbell, Esq; F.R.S. concerning the Going of a Clock; In Order to Determine the Difference between the Lengths of Isochronal Pendulums in Those Places". This paper was about observations of clocks in London and Jamaica. It helped scientists understand how pendulums work in different places. It was published in Phil. Trans. in 1733.