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William Parsons, 3rd Earl of Rosse
English engineer and astronomer (1800–1867) / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
William Parsons, 3rd Earl of Rosse KP FRS (17 June 1800 – 31 October 1867), was an English engineer and astronomer. He built several giant telescopes.[1][2] His 72-inch telescope, built in 1845 and colloquially known as the "Leviathan of Parsonstown", was the world's largest telescope, in terms of aperture size, until the early 20th century.[3] From April 1807 until February 1841, he was styled as Baron Oxmantown.
Quick Facts 27th President of the Royal Society, Preceded by ...
The Earl of Rosse | |
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27th President of the Royal Society | |
In office 1848–1854 | |
Preceded by | Spencer Compton |
Succeeded by | John Wrottesley |
Personal details | |
Born | (1800-06-17)17 June 1800 York, England |
Died | 31 October 1867(1867-10-31) (aged 67) Monkstown, County Dublin, Ireland |
Alma mater | Trinity College Dublin Magdalen College, Oxford |
Occupation | Engineer |
Notable work | Leviathan of Parsonstown |
Spouse | |
Children | 13, including Lawrence and Charles |
Parent(s) | Lawrence Parsons, 2nd Earl of Rosse Alice Lloyd |
Awards |
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Scientific career | |
Fields | Astronomy |
Institutions | Birr Castle |
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