William Herschel
He discovered Uranus and its two moons, and pioneered the study of nebulae and star clusters.
Most quoted
"The heavens are now seen to resemble a luxuriant garden, which contains the greatest variety of productions, in different flourishing beds; and one advantage we may at least reap from it is, that we can, as it were, extend the range of our experience to an immense duration."
— from Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society, 1789
"I have looked further into space than ever human being did before me. I have observed stars of which the light, it is computed, must take two millions of years to reach the earth."
— from Letter to his sister Caroline Herschel, 1789
"The astronomer, who is acquainted with the immensity of the universe, will not easily be persuaded to believe that this little spot is the sole abode of life and intelligence."
— from Attributed saying
All quotes by William Herschel (406)
I have looked further into space than ever human being did before me. I have observed stars of which the light, it is computed, must take two millions of years to reach the earth.
The heavens are a book, where God has written his wonders.
A knowledge of the construction of the heavens has always been the ultimate object of my observations.
The more we see of the works of God, the more we admire them.
I have made it a rule to myself, never to look at a star with a telescope that was not of my own making.
The discovery of Uranus was a mere accident.
The heavens are not empty, but full of stars.
I have always found that the more I observed, the more I discovered.
The Milky Way is nothing else but a stratum of stars.
The universe is not a static place, but a dynamic one.
I have often amused myself with the idea of a universe of universes.
The more we know, the more we are convinced that there is still more to know.
The power of a telescope is not to be measured by its magnifying power, but by its light-gathering power.
The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.
I have always been more interested in discovery than in fame.
The construction of the heavens is a problem that will occupy astronomers for ages to come.
The universe is a grand machine, and we are but humble observers of its workings.
The more I observe, the more I am convinced of the existence of a supreme intelligence.
The stars are not fixed, but are in motion.
The study of the heavens is the noblest pursuit of the human mind.
Contemporaries of William Herschel
Other Astronomys born within 50 years of William Herschel (1738–1822).