James South facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir James South
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James South
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| Born | 15 October 1785 |
| Died | 19 October 1867 (aged 82) |
| Citizenship | British |
| Known for | Astronomy |
| Awards | Copley medal (1826) Gold Medal of the Royal Astronomical Society (1826) |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Astronomy Chemistry Horology Surgery |
Sir James South (born October 1785 – died 19 October 1867) was a famous British astronomer. He is remembered for his important work studying the stars and planets.
He helped start the Astronomical Society of London. In 1831, when he was the President, a special request was made to the King. This request was approved, and the society became the Royal Astronomical Society.
Contents
Life of James South
Early Life and Studies
James South was born in Southwark, London, in October 1785. His father, also named James South, was a chemist. James first trained as a chemist, then as a surgeon. However, his deep interest in astronomy soon became his main focus.
In 1816, James married Charlotte Ellis. She was wealthy, and her money allowed him to stop working as a surgeon. This meant he could spend all his time on his passion for astronomy.
Awards and Recognition
James South received many honors for his scientific work. In 1821, he became a Fellow of the Royal Society of London. The next year, he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh.
He won the prestigious Copley Medal in 1826. In the same year, he also received the Gold Medal of the Royal Astronomical Society. These awards showed how important his contributions to astronomy were. In 1831, King William IV made him a knight, giving him the title "Sir."
Building a New Telescope
Around 1826, James South began planning a new, very large telescope. He wanted an equatorially mounted refractor, which uses a lens to gather light. He bought a huge 12-inch lens from Robert-Aglaé Cauchoix in Paris. This lens cost about 1000 pounds, which was a lot of money back then.
At the time, this was the biggest achromatic object lens in the world. An achromatic lens helps to make images clearer by reducing color distortions. The telescope for this lens was built, but it was taken apart around 1838.
The problem with South's telescope was its special mount, called an equatorial mount. This type of mount helps the telescope follow stars as the Earth rotates.
Telescope Challenges
James South had a big disagreement with the instrument maker, Edward Troughton. Troughton had built the equatorial mount for South's new telescope. South believed the mount was faulty and not good enough.
Troughton sued South for payment and won the case. After this, South quickly took apart the telescope mount. However, the valuable 12-inch lens was saved. In 1862, he gave the lens to the Dunsink Observatory in Dublin. There, it was placed on a different mount and is still used today.
Later Life
James South also owned the Groombridge Transit Circle from 1806. This was another important astronomical instrument.
He passed away at his observatory on Campden Hill on October 19, 1867. He was 82 years old. He was buried in Highgate Cemetery in London.
Astronomical Discoveries
Studying Double Stars
James South worked with another famous astronomer, John Herschel. In 1824, they created a list of 380 double stars. Double stars are two stars that appear very close together in the sky. They re-observed many of the double stars that William Herschel had found earlier.
After this joint work, South continued his research alone. Over the next year, he observed and recorded another 458 double stars. This showed his dedication and skill as an observer.
Recognition
To honor his contributions to astronomy, craters on both Mars and the Moon are named after Sir James South.
