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Astro*Dictionary by Michael Erlewine

 

 

 

 

1 article for "Kapteyn, Jacobus Cornelius"

Kapteyn, Jacobus Cornelius [Astro*Index]

(kahhp-tine')

(1851-1922) Dutch astronomer. Born at Barneveld; died at Amsterdam.

The father of Statistical Astronomy, he verified Hershel's model of the shape of our galaxy, and was able to show the Sun was moving through space. From analysis of their proper motions, he divided the stars into two streams: 3/5ths of them moving in one direction, 2/5ths in the opposite direction. His last student, Jan Hendrik Oort, would extend this finding, determining the location of the centre of our galaxy.

 

See also:
♦ Oort, Jan Hendrik ♦ Herschel, Sir William ♦ Galactic Center

 

 

 

 

 

Astro*Index Copyright © 1997 Michael Erlewine