Robert Grant (astronomer) facts for kids

Robert Grant, born on June 17, 1814, was a Scottish astronomer. He studied the stars and planets, helping us understand more about space. He became famous for his important work and discoveries in astronomy.

Early Life and Learning

Robert Grant was born in a place called Grantown-on-Spey in Scotland. When he was young, he got very sick for six years. This meant he couldn't go to school for a long time.

But Robert was very determined! When he got better at age 19, he taught himself many subjects. He learned Greek, Latin, French, Italian, and mathematics all on his own.

Later, in 1841, he moved to London. He worked in his brother's business. Even while working, he started gathering information for a book. This book would be about the history of astronomy.

Becoming an Astronomer

From 1845 to 1847, Robert Grant went to Paris to continue his studies. He taught English to earn money. He also attended lectures by famous astronomers like Arago and Leverrier.

In 1852, he finished his big book. It was called History of Physical Astronomy from the Earliest Ages to the Middle of the Nineteenth Century. This book was a huge success! In 1856, he won a special award. It was the Gold Medal from the Royal Astronomical Society. This is a very important award for astronomers.

Robert Grant also became a member of the Royal Astronomical Society. He helped edit their magazine, Monthly Notices. He also received special degrees from the University of Aberdeen. In 1865, he became a Fellow of the Royal Society. This is another high honor for scientists.

Work at Glasgow Observatory

To become a hands-on astronomer, Robert Grant worked at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich. This experience helped him a lot.

In 1859, he became a professor of astronomy. He also became the director of the observatory at the University of Glasgow. The observatory didn't have much equipment at first. But Robert Grant used a special telescope called a transit-circle. With it, he carefully observed many stars.

He created a huge list of stars called A Catalogue of 6415 Stars for the Epoch 1870. This book was published in 1883. It helped other astronomers understand how stars move. He even published another list of 2156 stars just before he passed away.

Important Discoveries and Projects

In 1863, a new, powerful telescope was set up at the observatory. It was a nine-inch Cooke equatorial telescope. Robert Grant used it to study planets, comets, and double stars.

He traveled to Spain in 1860 to see a total solar eclipse. He was one of the first to understand what the bright parts around the sun during an eclipse really were.

Robert Grant also started Glasgow's electric time service in 1861. This system used electricity to keep time very accurately. He also worked with another famous scientist, Sir George Biddell Airy. They used electric signals to figure out the exact time difference between Glasgow and Greenwich.

He observed many meteor showers, like the Leonid meteors. He also watched Venus pass in front of the sun in 1882. He shared his observations with the Royal Astronomical Society.

Robert Grant passed away on October 24, 1892, in Grantown-on-Spey.

Family Life

In 1874, Robert Grant married Elizabeth Emma Davison. They had one son and three daughters.

Published Works

Robert Grant translated several books by famous scientists. He translated Arago's Biographies of Distinguished Scientific Men and Popular Treatise on Comets. He also worked with Admiral William Henry Smyth to translate Arago's Popular Astronomy.

He wrote many articles for different encyclopedias and scientific magazines. He was also the president of the Philosophical Society of Glasgow for three years.