Robert Stawell Ball

Astronomer
BIRTHDAY
July 1,1840
Birthplace
Ireland
Age
Nov 25,1913,age 73
Birth Sign
Cancer
BIRTHDAY
July 1,1840 (age Nov 25,1913,age 73)
Birthplace
Ireland

About

Irish astronomer remembered for founding the mathematical concept known as "screw theory." He was named the Royal Astronomer of Ireland at the University of Dublin in 1874 and is responsible for important works on astronomy like A Treatise on Spherical Astronomy.

Before Fame

He was born in Dublin and worked under famed astronomer Lord Rosse in the 1860's.

Trivia

His seminal astronomy book The Story of the Heavens was referenced in the classic James Joyce novel Ulysses.

Family Life

He married Lady Francis Elizabeth Ball, with whom he had six children. His father was famed naturalist Robert Ball.

Associated With

He and Edward Sabine are both their Irish astrologers.