In the name of Science

Hello, friends of all ages! Today, let's embark on an amazing journey through the universe as we explore the life and works of a very special scientist, Lawrence Hugh Aller. You may be wondering, "Who is Lawrence Aller?" Well, buckle up! By the end of our journey, you'll know all about this brilliant star-gazer and his significant contributions to the world of astronomy. 1. Who Was Lawrence Hugh Aller? Lawrence Hugh Aller was a star - not the kind you see on television, but the kind that studies the stars in the sky! He was an astronomer, which means he spent his life trying to understand the secrets of the universe. Born on September 24, 1913, in Tacoma, Washington, USA, he was passionate about the stars and the sky from a very early age. 2. Educational Journey: Lawrence's journey towards becoming a star-gazer started with his education. He attended the University of California, Berkeley, where he earned his bachelor's degree in 1936 and his Ph.D. in 1943. Th

Name: John Goodricke   Birthdate: 17 Sep 1764 Birthplace:  Groningen,Netherlands     Today is the anniversary of the birth, in Groningen, the Netherlands on 17 Sep 1764, of the astronomer John Goodricke. The Goodricke family moved to England shortly afterwards, John having lost his hearing through a fever when still an infant, and becoming dumb as a consequence.  However, he overcame these difficulties, developing an interest in astronomy and becoming a highly proficient observer and pioneering investigator of variable stars. John had a particular fascination for the eclipsing binary Algol (Beta Persei), a star often referred to as the Demon Star. This strange appellation arises from the fact that Algol represents the severed head of Medusa the Gorgon, slain by the legendary Perseus and often represented as such on old star charts. Introduced to the star by his neighbour and fellow-astronomer Edward Pigott, Goodricke calculated Algol’s period of irregularity to be 2 days,