People in astronomy

Meet amazing individuals involved in astronomy, from groundbreaking figures from history to people pushing the boundaries of science today

Who was John Flamsteed, the first Astronomer Royal?

Meet the man tasked with mapping the night sky from Greenwich, and discover how a feud with Isaac Newton shaped the early history of the Royal Observatory

Accidental astronomy: an interview with Chris Lintott

Professor Chris Lintott, author, astrophysicist and presenter of the BBC's 'Sky at Night’ programme, discusses the incredible astronomical discoveries made by accident or through unplanned detours

Women at Royal Observatory Greenwich

Discover the women who worked in and around the Royal Observatory, facing barriers and prejudice due to their gender

Remembering Sir John F.W. Herschel (1792–1871)

Learn about the life of the pioneering mathematician, astronomer and polymath – and his links with the Royal Observatory

7 female scientists you might not have heard of

Einstein, Newton and Galileo are names we have heard numerous times. But who are the women who have changed the world of science, and why don’t we know their names too?

How many people have walked on the Moon?

The first crewed lunar landing in 1969 was a historic triumph for the USA and humankind. Including the Apollo 11 mission, 12 men have walked on the Moon. But who were they?

Michael Collins's space photo

Michael Collins is the third astronaut on the Apollo 11 mission. He remained in the Command Module as Edwin Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong landed on the Moon surface in 1969

Annie Maunder: solar astronomer and astrophotographer

Find out more about Annie Maunder, a pioneering astronomer, astrophotographer and science communicator

Caroline Herschel: the first paid female astronomer

Caroline discovered eight comets, revised Flamsteed's Star Catalogue, and became the first paid female astronomer in history
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