Francis Wollaston (astronomer) facts for kids

Francis Wollaston (born November 23, 1731, in London – died October 31, 1815) was a British astronomer and a Church of England priest. He became a member of the important Royal Society in 1769.

Who Was Francis Wollaston?

Francis Wollaston was the son of another scientist named Francis Wollaston. His mother was Mary Fauquier. He grew up in London, England.

His Education and Early Career

Francis Wollaston studied at home with private teachers. Later, he went to Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge, a famous university. He earned a law degree there in 1754.

Even though he studied law, Wollaston decided to become a clergyman instead. He became a deacon in 1754 and a priest in 1755. He served as a rector (a type of church leader) in several places. These included Dengie, East Dereham, and Chislehurst.

Wollaston's Secret Autobiography

Wollaston wrote a special book about his own life. It was called The Secret History of a Private Man. He printed only a few copies for himself. In this book, he explained why he loved studying the stars. He said astronomy helped him get away from people who had very narrow or strict ideas.

He had his own private observatory. This was a special building for looking at the sky. It had a powerful telescope made by Peter Dollond. Francis Wollaston was buried in Chislehurst when he passed away.

Francis Wollaston's Work in Astronomy

Francis Wollaston became a well-known astronomer. He joined the Royal Society in 1769. This is a very old and respected group for scientists. He even served on its council, which is like its governing board.

His Star Catalogue

In 1789, Wollaston created a special list. It was a catalogue of stars and nebulae. Nebulae are huge clouds of gas and dust in space. This catalogue was very useful. Many other astronomers used it, including his friend William Herschel. William Herschel was famous for discovering the planet Uranus.

Wollaston's Family Life

Francis Wollaston married Althea Hyde in 1758. They had many children together. Some of their children also became well-known in different fields.

Notable Children of Francis Wollaston

• Mary Hyde Wollaston (1760–1843)
• Althea Hyde Wollaston (1760–1785)
• Francis John Hyde Wollaston (1762–1823), who became a philosopher.
• Charlotte Hyde Wollaston (1763–1835)
• Katherine Hyde Wollaston (1764–1844), who studied seashells (a conchologist).
• George Hyde Wollaston (1765–1841)
• William Hyde Wollaston (1766–1828), a very famous scientist. He worked in physiology, chemistry, and physics.
• Henrietta Hyde Wollaston (1767–1840)
• Anna Hyde Wollaston (1769–1828)
• Frederick Hyde Wollaston (1770–1839?)
• Louisa Hyde Wollaston (1771–1772)
• Charles Hyde Wollaston (1772–1850)
• Henry Hyde Wollaston (1774), who died as a baby.
• Amelia Hyde Wollaston (1775–1860)
• Henry Septimus Hyde Wollaston (1776–1867)
• Sophia Hyde Wollaston (1777–1810)
• Louisa Decima Hyde Wollaston (1778–1854)