The Herschel Museum of Astronomy

Sir William Herschel, 1738-1822 by John Russell, circa 1795. Repro ID: BHC2764. ©National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London, Herschel CollectionThe Herschel Museum of Astronomy is dedicated to the many achievements of the Herschels, who were distinguished astronomers as well as talented musicians.

It was from this house, using a telescope of his own design that William discovered the planet Uranus in 1781. His observations helped to double the known size of the solar system. Following a tradition of the great astronomers of the Renaissance he pushed forward the science of building telescopes. He was rewarded for his work by King George III, and also received the Copley Medal. Caroline Herschel also made a huge contribution to the field of astronomy. The work of the Herschels clearly had an impact on modern science and space exploration.

Photogravure of portrait of Caroline Herschel by Professor Tielemann (1829). Repro ID: PAH6061. ©National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London, Herschel Collection Sir Patrick Moore, the patron of the museum, describes William Herschel as 'the first man to give a reasonably correct picture of the shape of our star-system or galaxy, the best telescope-maker of his time, and possibly the greatest observer who ever lived'.

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