Lably
Skip to content

Harold D. Babcock

American astronomer (1882–1968)

  • 1 min read
  • 1 chapters

Related on Lably

Through English people, Spectroscopy and Sun

Lab · Class 8East India CompanyLab · Class 6–12Atomic Spectra & StarlightLab · Class 6–11Orbits & GravitationLab · Class 6–7Constellations & Night Sky

Babcock specialized in solar spectroscopy and precisely mapped the distribution of magnetic fields over the Sun's surface, working alongside his son, Horace W. Babcock. He developed the "ruling engine which has made many of the finest diffraction gratings" and, together with his son, the solar magnetograph.

In 1953 Babcock won the Bruce Medal. Babcock died of a heart attack in Pasadena, California at age 86.

The crater Babcock on the Moon is named after him, as is asteroid 3167 Babcock (jointly named after him and his son).

More in Astronomy

EarthThird planet from the SunSunStar at the centre of the Solar SystemMoonNatural satellite orbiting EarthAstronomyScientific study of celestial objectsSolar SystemPlanetary system consisting of the Sun and objects orbiting itRomanization of GreekRendering Greek in Latin characters