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)
The telescope is an instrument of discovery, not merely of magnification.
The universe is not a stagnant pool, but a flowing stream.
The light of the stars is a messenger from distant worlds.
In the variety of celestial objects, we see the richness of the Creator's imagination.
The observations of one night often furnish matter for the reflections of many years.
The Georgium Sidus moves in an orbit nearly circular, and its motion is direct.
Contemporaries of William Herschel
Other Astronomys born within 50 years of William Herschel (1738–1822).