Flamsteed, John

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Flamsteed, John (1646–1719). Flamsteed was the first astronomer-royal. He was born near Derby and educated there. Handicapped by ill-health, he began astronomical observations and in 1675 was placed on a panel to investigate claims to ascertain longitude at sea. The same year he took holy orders and was appointed by Charles II to supervise the new royal observatory at Greenwich. In 1677 he was elected to the Royal Society. He was in close touch with the scientists of the age, including Halley and Newton, but his health made him irritable and suspicious. In 1707, after many difficulties, Flamsteed's first catalogue of observations was published, but the rest had to wait until after his death.

J. A. Cannon

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