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.
The heavens are a glorious volume, and the more we read in it, the more we are struck with the wisdom of its Author.
The great end of all these observations is to find out the construction of the heavens, as far as it is possible to discover it by means of telescopes.
The more we examine the celestial regions, the more we find to admire and to contemplate.
The universe is not a static place, but a dynamic and evolving system.
The milky way is a most extensive stratum of stars.
The power of my telescopes is such, that I can see stars of the 20th magnitude.
The heavens are full of wonders, and the more we search, the more we shall find.
The discovery of new celestial bodies is a source of infinite delight.
The construction of the heavens is a problem that requires the most patient and diligent observation.
The universe is a grand machine, and every part of it is in motion.
The more we know of the heavens, the more we are convinced of the existence of a supreme intelligence.
The stars are not scattered at random, but are arranged in a systematic manner.
The nebulae are not merely clusters of stars, but are distinct systems.
The sun is a star, and the stars are suns.
The universe is a vast and boundless ocean, and we are but a small island in it.
The more we discover, the more we realize how much there is yet to learn.
The construction of my telescopes has enabled me to penetrate into regions of space hitherto unexplored.
The universe is a perpetual motion machine, constantly changing and evolving.
The light of distant stars takes many years to reach us, so we are looking back in time.
Contemporaries of William Herschel
Other Astronomys born within 50 years of William Herschel (1738–1822).