1646-1719

English Astronomer

John Flamsteed is remembered for his accurate and extensive work in positional astronomy. As the first British Astronomer Royal, he pioneered the systematic use of telescopic sights and produced the first great star catalog based on telescopic observations.

Flamsteed was born on August 19, 1646, at Denby, England. He attended the Derby Free School but was forced to leave when stricken by a severe rheumatic condition. So serious was the illness that his health was compromised for the rest of his life. During his extended period of convalescence Flamsteed developed an interest in astronomy, which he perused through self-study (1662-69).

In 1670 he entered his name at Jesus College, Cambridge, to pursue an M.A. degree. That same year he submitted a small ephemeris of lunar occultations to the Royal Society that was published in the Philosophical Transactions. This gained him some recognition and led to...