Edmond Halley

Date of Birth: November 8, 1656

Zodiac Sign: Scorpio

Date of Death: January 14, 1742

Biography

Edmond Halley was an eminent English astronomer, geophysicist, mathematician, meteorologist, and physicist best known for computing the orbit of the eponymous Halley’s Comet. Born on November 8, 1656, in Haggerston, Shoreditch, London, Halley was a child prodigy who displayed an early aptitude for mathematics and astronomy. He attended St Paul’s School and later The Queen’s College, Oxford. Halley’s early work made significant contributions to the field of astronomy, especially his publication at the age of 22 on the catalog of southern stars, which he observed during an expedition to the island of Saint Helena. Halley’s contributions were not limited to astronomy. He also made pioneering efforts in geophysics and meteorology, including studies on the Earth’s magnetic field and trade winds. In 1705, Halley published “A Synopsis of the Astronomy of Comets,” in which he predicted the return of the comet that would later bear his name. This prediction was confirmed with the comet’s reappearance in 1758, marking the first time a comet’s return had been accurately predicted. Halley held various prestigious positions throughout his career, including Savilian Professor of Geometry at Oxford and Astronomer Royal.

5 Interesting Facts about Edmond Halley

1. Edmond Halley was the first to predict the orbit of a comet, which was later named Halley’s Comet in his honor.

2. Halley served as the captain of a Royal Navy ship to conduct experiments on the Earth’s magnetic field.

3. He translated and published Isaac Newton’s groundbreaking work “Principia Mathematica” into English.

4. Halley made significant contributions to the study of tides and trade winds, helping to advance the field of meteorology.

5. He was buried in the graveyard of St. Margaret’s, Lee, in South East London, where his tombstone remains a site of scientific pilgrimage.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Edmond Halley

1. “I would not have you disheartened, for I am confident that the same force which has brought you hither will carry you further.”

2. “I am sure that the same power which brought the comet to this first perihelion will bring it again to another.”

3. “The study of celestial bodies will one day unlock the secrets of the universe.”

4. “True science teaches, above all, to doubt and to be ignorant.”

5. “I have endeavored to collect the scattered rays of astronomical knowledge and to focus them into a single point.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

There are no historical records indicating Edmond Halley’s net worth; however, his contributions to science and his positions would have afforded him a comfortable life.

Children

Edmond Halley had three children with his wife Mary Tooke: 1. Edmond Halley Jr., who followed in his father’s footsteps and pursued a career in science. 2. Margaret Halley, who married and lived a private life. 3. Catherine Halley, who also married and had children.