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 heavens are a grand spectacle, and we are privileged to witness it.
My aim is to penetrate into the remotest regions of the universe.
The universe is a boundless realm of mystery and wonder.
The light of the stars is a testament to the vastness of space.
The more I observe, the more I am filled with awe.
The heavens are a source of endless contemplation.
The universe is a living, breathing entity.
I have always been a seeker of truth.
The heavens are a grand design, and we are but small parts of it.
The more I observe, the more I am convinced of the infinite wisdom of the Creator.
All human discoveries seem to be made only through the eye.
The heavens are now seen to resemble a luxuriant garden, which contains the choicest flowers.
I have looked further into space than any human being before me.
Stars are not mere points of light, but suns with their own systems.
The study of the heavens is the pursuit of the divine.
In the vastness of space, we find our true insignificance and grandeur.
Telescopes have taught us more of the universe than all the books of antiquity.
Every star is a world, and every world a stage for creation.
I did not discover Uranus; it revealed itself to my patient gaze.
The milky way is but a nebula among many.
Contemporaries of William Herschel
Other Astronomys born within 50 years of William Herschel (1738–1822).