Science · Philosophy · 1656–1742
Born: 8 November 1656 · Died: 25 January 1742 · Age at death: 85
Edmond Halley died aged 85. He was born on 8 November 1656 and died on 25 January 1742.
English astronomer who predicted the return of his namesake comet
Did you know?He funded the publication of Isaac Newton's landmark work, Principia Mathematica, when the Royal Society could not afford to print it.
Edmond Halley had a restless, practical mind. He mapped the southern stars from a remote island. He drew early weather and magnetic maps and designed a diving bell. His greatest service may have been persuading Newton to publish his work on gravity, and paying for it. Using Newton's laws, Halley predicted that a bright comet would return in 1758. He did not live to see it. When it appeared on time, the comet took his name.
Edmond (or Edmund) Halley (8 November 1656 – 25 January 1742) was an English astronomer, mathematician and physicist. He was the second Astronomer Royal in Britain, succeeding John Flamsteed in 1720.
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Profile
English astronomer, born 1656
Edmond Halley was born in Haggerston on 8 November 1656.
He predicted the return of the comet now named Halley's Comet.
He paid to publish Newton's Principia.
He became Astronomer Royal in 1720.
Career highlights
Did you know?He also captained a Royal Navy ship on scientific voyages.
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