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America's foremost early astronomerThe life of 18th century astronomer, craftsman, and partriot David Rittenhouse is detailed. As a craftsman, he distinguished himself as one of the foremost builders of clocks. He also built magnetic compasses and surveying instruments. The finest examples of his craftsmanship are considered two orreries, mechanical solar systems. In terms of astronomical observations, his best-known contribution was his observation of the transit of Venus in 1769. Rittenhouse constructed the first diffraction grating. Working as Treasurer of Pennsylvania throughout the Revolution, he became the first director of the Mint in 1792. Astronomical observations in later life included charting the position of Uranus after its discovery.
Document ID
19950055754
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Rubincam, David Parry
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Rubincam, Milton, II
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Date Acquired
August 16, 2013
Publication Date
May 1, 1995
Publication Information
Publication: Sky & Telescope
Volume: 89
Issue: 5
ISSN: 0037-6604
Subject Category
Astronomy
Accession Number
95A87353
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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