Quote:
Originally Posted by ngcles
Hi All,
There was an excellent article in Astronomy Magazine in 1998 that outlined Robert Burnham's life story including the apparently dud-deal he got on the royalties on his magnum opus, the sad loss of his beloved job at Lowell Observatory (after the propewr-motion study was concluded) and his very sad waning years.
His three volume handbook is a masterpiece of its time. Most, if not all of us who dabble in a bit of astronomical writing are dwarfed by his massive contribution that is still worthwhile as an observing guide today and is an outstanding literary work. You cannot read it without being moved by his love of the heavens and legendary encyclopaedic knowledge.
I see from the Wiki article that his 80th birthday would have been the other day on 16th June. It is extraordinarily sad that one so loved for his great work lived his last lonely years in obscure anonymity. I hope he has a wonderful view of the heavens nowadays.
Best,
Les D
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Couldn't have said it better myself, Les, thank you.
Yes, as convenient as a spreadsheet of DSO's downloaded from the internet is, it can in no way compare to the writings
Burnhams.
Remiss of me not to mention his birthday. This was the reason for me starting the topic tonight, however I completely forgot to mention it!
I am glad that a memorial has been erected at Lowell. Since learning of this last year, it is on my itinerary for any future US trip.