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Robert Main
Astronomer

Robert Main

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Stellar observations and astronomical catalogues at Greenwich and Oxford.

Rudimentary Astronomy · Second Radcliffe Catalogue

Born
12 July 1808
Birthplace
Upnor, Kent
Died
9 May 1878

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Robert Main

English astronomer who directed the Radcliffe Observatory after twenty-five years at Greenwich.

Early life

Mathematics

Born in Upnor, Kent, and graduated from Queens’ College, Cambridge, in 1834.

Career

  1. 1835–1860

    Greenwich

    Served as first assistant at the Royal Observatory.

  2. 1858

    Gold Medal

    Recognised by the Royal Astronomical Society.

  3. 1860

    Oxford

    Became director of the Radcliffe Observatory.

Contributions

Rudimentary Astronomy

Published an introductory textbook.

Second Radcliffe Catalogue

Edited a catalogue of 6,317 stars.

Beyond work

Religious life

An ordained Anglican priest, preached regularly and collected theological books.

Sources & photo creditBiography and career ↗Biographical references ↗

Original photograph. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.

Photo: Artistic portrait; Unknown authorUnknown author. Public domain · Original image. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.