Discussion: Christian Huygen's 375th Birthday

[Fraser]

SUMMARY: Dutch astronomer Christian Huygens was born on April 14, 1629; exactly 375 years ago. He was an influential astronomer who improved on Galileo's original telescope design by developing new techniques to grind and polish lenses. With his improved telescope, Huygens was able to resolve the rings of Saturn better than anyone at the time, and realize their true shape as rings. He also discovered Titan, Saturn's largest moon. He died in 1695.

What do you think about this story? Post your comments below.

[damienpaul]

A true pioneer of observational astronomy and optics.

Party at your house Fraser?

[tycho81]

i live in the street of cristiaan huygens in amsterdam

[DippyHippy]

Wasn't he the son of a diplomat? And I can't remember whether it was him or his father who used to write music and poetry... time to look up a bio page methinks LOL

[DippyHippy]

Ta-da!

http://www-gap.dcs.st-and.ac.uk/~history/M...ns/Huygens.html

[Nick4]

This guy is smart he was a great astronomer.

[Mettalica1]

Yes with out him where would the telescope be today he improved on galileo's invention.