William Harkness

PSM V63 D090 William Harkness

William Harkness (December 17, 1837 – February 28, 1903) was an American astronomer and inventor who made significant contributions to the field of astronomy and astrophysics. He is best known for his work on the transit of Venus and his role in the development of the United States Naval Observatory.

Early Life and Education

William Harkness was born in Ealing, England, and emigrated to the United States with his family in 1839. He grew up in Rochester, New York, where he developed an early interest in science and mathematics. Harkness attended the University of Rochester, where he earned a degree in medicine in 1858.

Career

Harkness began his career as a physician, but his passion for astronomy soon led him to join the United States Navy as an assistant astronomer in 1862. He was assigned to the United States Naval Observatory in Washington, D.C., where he worked under the direction of Matthew Fontaine Maury.

Transit of Venus

Harkness is perhaps best known for his work on the transit of Venus in 1874 and 1882. He was a key member of the United States expeditions to observe these rare astronomical events, which were crucial for determining the astronomical unit—the average distance between the Earth and the Sun. Harkness developed several innovative instruments and techniques for these observations, significantly improving the accuracy of the measurements.

Contributions to Astronomy

In addition to his work on the transit of Venus, Harkness made numerous contributions to the field of astronomy. He developed a new type of spectroscope for studying the solar corona during solar eclipses, and he conducted extensive research on the spectra of stars and planets. Harkness also played a key role in the establishment of the United States Naval Observatory's new facility in Washington, D.C., which opened in 1893.

Inventions and Innovations

Harkness was an accomplished inventor who held several patents for his innovations in astronomical instruments. His inventions included improvements to the spectroscope, the heliometer, and various other devices used in astronomical observations.

Later Life and Legacy

William Harkness retired from the United States Navy in 1899 with the rank of Rear Admiral. He continued to be active in the field of astronomy until his death in 1903. Harkness's contributions to astronomy and his innovative work on the transit of Venus have left a lasting legacy in the field.

See Also

• United States Naval Observatory
• Transit of Venus
• Spectroscope
• Solar eclipse