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 often wished that I had more time to devote to the study of music, but astronomy has always been my first love.
The universe is a vast ocean, and we are but tiny ships sailing upon it.
The light of the stars is a messenger from the distant past.
The more we learn about the universe, the more we realize how little we know.
The heavens are a perpetual source of wonder and amazement.
I have always been driven by a desire to understand the universe.
The telescope is a key that unlocks the secrets of the universe.
The universe is a symphony, and the stars are its instruments.
The more I observe, the more I am convinced of the order and harmony of the universe.
The discovery of new celestial objects is always a source of great joy to me.
The heavens are a vast laboratory, where nature performs her experiments.
The universe is a book written in the language of mathematics.
I have always been fascinated by the beauty and grandeur of the heavens.
The more powerful the telescope, the more distant the objects we can see.
The universe is a never-ending source of inspiration.
The study of astronomy teaches us humility.
The heavens are a mirror, reflecting the greatness of God.
I have often wondered if there are other intelligent beings in the universe.
The universe is a tapestry woven with stars.
The more we explore, the more we discover.
Contemporaries of William Herschel
Other Astronomys born within 50 years of William Herschel (1738–1822).