Joseph Baxendell facts for kids

Joseph Baxendell (1815–1887) was an important British scientist. He was a meteorologist, meaning he studied weather and the atmosphere. He was also an astronomer, someone who studies stars, planets, and space.

Early Life and Education

Joseph Baxendell was born in Manchester, England, on April 19, 1815. His parents were Thomas and Mary Baxendell. He went to school at Thomas Whalley's school in Cheetham Hill, Manchester.

Even at a young age, Joseph loved science. His mother and his school teacher helped him develop this interest. He left school when he was fourteen years old.

Time at Sea

From age fourteen to twenty, Joseph spent six years working at sea. This time was very important for his scientific observations. For example, in November 1833, he saw a spectacular shower of meteors while in the Pacific Ocean.

In 1835, he stopped working at sea and returned to Manchester. For a while, he helped his father, who managed land. Later, Joseph started his own business as an estate agent.

Scientific Career

Even with his own business, Joseph Baxendell continued his studies in astronomy and meteorology. He did this quietly, but he was very dedicated. He was lucky to use the observatory of his friend, Robert Worthington, near Manchester.

Contributions to Science

Joseph Baxendell started sharing his scientific work in 1849. His first contribution was to the Royal Astronomical Society. He also wrote for other important science journals.

Much of his most important work was for the Manchester Literary and Philosophical Society. He joined this society in 1858. The next year, he became a member of their council. In 1861, he became a joint secretary and editor of the society's publications. He held these roles for many years.

In 1858, he became a fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society. Later, in 1884, he became a Fellow of the Royal Society. This is a very high honor for scientists in the UK.

Work in Manchester and Southport

In 1859, Joseph Baxendell became the astronomer for the city of Manchester. He also helped set up the Fernley meteorological observatory in Hesketh Park, Southport. He then became the main meteorologist for the town of Southport.

His scientific papers are very important. He wrote 67 of them! He made important observations about variable stars, which are stars that change in brightness.

He also did significant research on weather and the Earth's magnetic field. He was one of the first scientists to see a strong connection between these sciences and solar physics (the study of the Sun).

Practical Applications

Baxendell also suggested practical uses for meteorology. For example, he pushed for the use of storm signals to warn people about bad weather. He had a long discussion with the Board of Trade about this idea.

He famously predicted a long drought in 1868. This prediction helped the Manchester city council manage their water supply. This reduced problems for people during the drought. He also once predicted an epidemic outbreak in Southport.

Later Life and Family

Joseph Baxendell spent his later years in Birkdale, near Southport. He passed away there on October 7, 1887.

In 1865, he married Mary Anne Pogson. She was the sister of Norman Robert Pogson, who was a government astronomer in India. Joseph and Mary Anne had one son, also named Joseph. Their son followed in his father's footsteps and became the meteorologist for Southport after his father's death.