Edward Charles Pickering, Harvard Observatory, Star Movement

Edward Charles Pickering, Harvard College Observatory,Star Movement

1900, United States,
Handwriting on the back,
Vintage silver print, Excellent,
Not mounted,
23,5 X 18,5 cm

Photo ID: 6030

Edward Charles Pickering (July 19, 1846 – February 3, 1919) was an American astronomer and physicist and the older brother of William Henry Pickering. Along with Carl Vogel, Pickering discovered the first spectroscopic binary stars. He wrote Elements of Physical Manipulations (2 vol., 1873–76).

In 1882, Pickering developed a method to photograph the spectra of multiple stars simultaneously by putting a large prism in front of the photographic plate. Using this method, Pickering and his team captured images of over 220,000 stars. This immense amount of photographic research has provided scientists for decades with a seemingly endless library containing the history of every visible star's movements. It is said that this research weighs 120 tons due to the size of photographic plates.

Pickering is credited with making the Harvard College Observatory known and respected around the world. It continues today to be a well-respected observatory and program.