Edwin Dunkin facts for kids

Edwin Dunkin (born August 19, 1821 – died November 26, 1898) was an important British astronomer. He was also the president of the Royal Astronomical Society and the Royal Institution of Cornwall.

Early Life and Family

Edwin Dunkin was born on August 19, 1821, in Truro, Cornwall, England. He was one of five children. His father, William Dunkin, worked as a "human computer" for The Nautical Almanac. This meant he did complex math calculations by hand to help sailors navigate.

In 1832, when Edwin was about 11 years old, his family moved to London. His father continued his work there.

Education and Early Career

Edwin and his younger brother, Richard, went to school at Wellington House Academy in Hampstead. They also studied at a school in Guînes, France.

When Edwin was 17, his father passed away. Edwin then returned to London to find a job. Thanks to recommendations from important people, he got a job at the Royal Greenwich Observatory. He started as a "computer," just like his father.

The head astronomer, George Airy, quickly noticed how good Edwin was at his job. In 1840, Edwin was promoted to a new department that studied magnetism and weather. By 1845, he became a permanent member of the observatory's team.

Personal Life

In 1838, Edwin Dunkin married Maria Hadlow. She was the daughter of a stockbroker from Peckham.

Edwin always remembered his roots in Cornwall. He even named his home in Blackheath "Kenwyn," after a village near his hometown of Truro.

Edwin Dunkin passed away on November 26, 1898, after a short illness. He had one son, Edwin Hadlow Wise Dunkin, who also became a writer.

Amazing Scientific Work

Edwin Dunkin was known for being very careful and accurate in his work. Because of this, he was put in charge of many important projects. He helped adjust and check instruments at the Greenwich Observatory, like the new transit circle. He also went on an expedition to Norway in 1851 to observe a total solar eclipse.

His boss, George Airy, often relied on Edwin for tasks outside the observatory. For example, Edwin helped with experiments using pendulums in a coal mine. He also helped figure out the exact longitude (east-west position) of the Brussels and Paris observatories.

In 1881, when George Airy retired, Edwin Dunkin was promoted to chief assistant. This meant he was the Deputy Astronomer Royal. He held this important position until he retired in 1884.

A Popular Astronomer

Edwin Dunkin was a very friendly person. In 1845, he became a member of the Royal Astronomical Society. He was later elected its president in 1884. He was also a member of the Royal Society, a very famous scientific group, and served on its council. In 1890 and 1891, he was the president of the Royal Institution of Cornwall.

He loved to share his knowledge of astronomy with others. He wrote many articles for magazines like The Leisure Hour. His most famous book was The Midnight Sky. This book included detailed charts of the London sky, which he had calculated himself.