©The William Herschel Society
Herschel House, 19 New King Street, Bath. BA1 2BL UK Telephone +44(0)1225 446865
NGC 2683, discovered on 5 February 1788 by William Herschel, lies in the Northern constellation of Lynx. Credit:ESA/Hubble & NASA
Sir William Herschel 1738 - 1822
Astronomer & Musician
The founder of modern stellar astronomy, his discovery of Uranus in 1781 was the first identification of a planet in modern times. Herschel developed the theory of nebulas and the evolution of stars. He catalogued many binary stars and made important modifications to the reflecting telescope. William Herschel also demonstrated that the solar system moves through space and he discovered infrared radiation.
Born in Hanover , Germany he moved to Bath, England when he was 18 years of age to work as a musician. Later he taught music, composed and conducted.
If you have an interest in any aspect of astronomy, the Society can help you to expand that interest. Regular meetings are held which cover a diverse range of topics of interest to members. Members, both local and international, are drawn together by common interests which include not only the life and times of William Herschel and his Family but also the current and future aspects of astronomy and its related sciences. Please explore our site and get a better understanding of the Society.