Johann Georg Liebknecht facts for kids
Johann Georg Liebknecht (born April 23, 1679, in Wasungen, Thuringia – died September 17, 1749, in Giessen) was a smart German thinker. He was a professor at the University of Giessen. He taught both mathematics and theology there.
A Smart Thinker and Teacher
Johann Georg Liebknecht was born in Wasungen. His father, Michael Liebknecht, was a schoolmaster. Johann went to a special school called a Gymnasium in Schleusingen. He then studied at the University of Jena. He earned several university degrees. These included a Master of Arts (MA) in 1702. He also earned a Bachelor of Divinity (BD) in 1717. Finally, he received a Doctor of Divinity (DD) in 1719.
A famous scientist, Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz, suggested Liebknecht for a job. He was offered a position at the University of Giessen. Liebknecht was very good at many subjects. He could teach different topics well. He was respected as a religious scholar. He was also a leading mathematician.
His work also focused on other areas. He used math in military studies. This included artillery and fortresses. He also studied geology, looking at mineral deposits. He worked in archaeology, digging up old grave mounds near Giessen. He studied fossils and astronomy too. Like other Protestant thinkers, he did not fully support the idea that the Earth goes around the Sun. This was true even 200 years after Copernicus suggested it. He was in touch with famous scientists like Leibniz. From 1707 to 1737, he was a Professor of Mathematics in Giessen. From 1721 until he passed away, he was also a Professor of Theology.
Liebknecht was also a member of important groups. From 1715, he joined the Leopoldina. This was a German academy for natural scientists. In 1716, he became a member of the Royal Prussian Society of Sciences. In 1728, he was chosen to be a Fellow of the Royal Society.
His Astronomy Discoveries
Liebknecht loved studying the stars. He was a very keen astronomer. He made some rare observations of the aurora. These are the beautiful lights in the sky. He saw them between 1711 and 1721.
However, he did not get credit for another observation. On December 2, 1722, he saw a faint star. He thought it was moving compared to other stars. These were the stars Mizar and Alcor in the Big Dipper. He named this supposed new planet Sidus Ludoviciana. But Liebknecht did not know something important. This same star had already been seen in 1616. Benedetto Castelli had observed it in the same spot. So, it could not have been a new planet.
His Family Life
Johann Georg Liebknecht was married two times. His first wife was Catharine Elisabeth. She was the daughter of Nikolaus Caspar Elwerten, a doctor. His second wife was Regina Sophie. She was the daughter of Johann Just Hoffmann, another doctor. Liebknecht had 21 children from his two marriages.
