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)
Life's brevity urges us to gaze upon eternity.
Double stars whisper secrets of the cosmos' architecture.
Infrared rays, invisible to the eye, prove nature's hidden symphony.
The universe unfolds like a grand oratorio.
Persistence in observation yields the fruits of discovery.
Nebulae are the birthplaces of stars, cradles of light.
My mirrors reflect not just stars, but the soul of creation.
The night sky hums with unseen harmonies.
To measure the heavens is to measure infinity.
Age dims the eyes but sharpens the mind's telescope.
Galaxies whirl in dances we can scarcely comprehend.
Discovery is the child of diligence and chance.
The planets sing in their orbits, a celestial choir.
In darkness, we find the light of knowledge.
Comets are but wanderers in the solar family.
The universe's scale humbles the proudest heart.
My sweeps of the heavens reveal endless wonders.
Stars cluster like friends in the void.
The telescope is my faithful companion through nights eternal.
Variable stars teach us of cosmic variability.
Contemporaries of William Herschel
Other Astronomys born within 50 years of William Herschel (1738–1822).