Heinrich Wilhelm Matthias Olbers

Heinrich Wilhelm Matthias Olbers

Heinrich Wilhelm Matthias Olbers (11 October 1758 – 2 March 1840) was a German astronomer, physician, and physicist, best known for his discovery of two asteroids, Pallas and Vesta, and for formulating Olbers' paradox in the field of cosmology. Olbers was born in Arbergen, today part of Bremen, Germany, and studied medicine at the University of Göttingen. However, his passion for astronomy led him to construct a private observatory in Bremen, where he conducted most of his astronomical observations.

Early Life and Education

Olbers was born into a prosperous merchant family. He developed an interest in astronomy at an early age, inspired by the comet of 1769. Despite his fascination with the stars, Olbers pursued a medical degree at the University of Göttingen, one of the leading universities in Germany for natural sciences and mathematics. During his time at university, Olbers maintained his astronomical studies, often observing the night sky.

Career in Astronomy

After completing his medical studies, Olbers returned to Bremen, where he practiced medicine. However, his passion for astronomy never waned, and he soon established his own observatory. Olbers' contributions to astronomy were significant. In 1802, he discovered the asteroid Pallas, and in 1807, he discovered Vesta, the brightest asteroid visible from Earth. These discoveries contributed to the understanding of the solar system and the realization that it contained more objects than previously thought.

Olbers also made contributions to the study of comets and developed a method for calculating their orbits, which is still in use today. Furthermore, he is credited with formulating Olbers' paradox, which questions why the night sky is dark if the universe is infinite and filled with stars. This paradox remains an important concept in cosmology, contributing to discussions about the structure and age of the universe.

Legacy

Olbers' work in astronomy was widely recognized during his lifetime. He was a member of several scientific societies, including the Royal Society of London. The asteroid 1002 Olbersia and the lunar crater Olbers are named in his honor, reflecting his lasting impact on the field of astronomy.

Olbers' paradox, in particular, has had a lasting influence on the field of cosmology, prompting scientists to explore the nature of the universe and its evolution. His method for calculating comet orbits has also remained relevant, demonstrating his lasting contribution to the field of astronomy.

Death and Memorials

Heinrich Wilhelm Matthias Olbers died on 2 March 1840 in Bremen. His legacy is preserved through the astronomical objects named after him and his contributions to the fields of astronomy and cosmology. The Olbers Society, based in Bremen, continues to promote the study of astronomy in his honor.

See Also

• List of minor planets: 1001–2000
• Asteroid belt
• History of astronomy