Fearon Fallows facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Fearon Fallows
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| Born | 4 July 1788 |
| Died | 25 July 1831 (aged 43) Simon's Town, South Africa
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| Alma mater | St John's College, Cambridge |
| Spouse(s) | Mary Anne Hervey |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Astronomer |
Fearon Fallows (born July 4, 1788 – died July 25, 1831) was an English astronomer. Astronomers are scientists who study stars, planets, and other objects in space. Fallows is known for his important work in setting up the first astronomical observatory in the southern hemisphere, located in South Africa.
Life Story
Fearon Fallows was born in Cockermouth, Cumbria, in 1788. His father was a weaver. Fearon learned to read, Latin, and math from his father. He also worked as a church clerk in a nearby village.
With help from his father and people in his town, Fearon went to St John's College, Cambridge. There, he studied mathematics. He graduated in 1813, ranking third in his class.
He earned a Master of Arts degree in 1816. After that, he taught math at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge. He also became a Fellow of St John's College, Cambridge. He was also ordained as a priest in the Church of England.
In 1820, he became a member of the Royal Astronomical Society. He also joined the Royal Society. One of his supporters for the Royal Society was John Herschel. John Herschel was the son of famous astronomer William Herschel.
Later in 1820, the British Admiralty (the government department in charge of the navy) chose him. They appointed him to be the astronomer at the Cape of Good Hope. This job meant he would build an observatory in what was then a British colony.
Before traveling to South Africa, he married Mary Anne Hervey. They were married on January 1, 1821.
From 1821 to 1829, he worked hard. He chose the location, planned, and built the observatory. This was the first astronomical observatory in the southern part of the world. He also continued to serve the Church of England while he was there.
In 1830, Fearon and his staff caught scarlet fever. He was still the director of the observatory. He died from scarlet fever in Simon's Town, South Africa, in 1831. He was 43 years old.
Astronomical Discoveries
Fearon Fallows was the astronomer for King George IV. From his observatory in South Africa, he created a list of over 300 stars. This list is called a star catalogue.
When he first arrived, he had only a few tools. He had two portable instruments and a clock. These tools included a Circle and a Transit Instrument. Once the observatory was built, he used bigger and better equipment. These were a Jones Mural Circle and a Dolland Transit Circle.
Local Recognition
Fearon Fallows' life and work are remembered in his hometown of Cockermouth. There are special information boards about him. You can find them in Old Kings Arms Lane and Lowther Went. There is also a mention of him inside the Kirkgate Arts Centre.
