1662: On 16 September 1662 there was a solar eclipse, witnessed in Derby, England, by a sixteen-year-old boy called John Flamsteed.
Flamsteed's interest in astronomy was stirred by this eclipse, and after reading all he could find on the subject, he attempted to make his own measuring instruments and started to correspond with other astronomers.
Flamsteed became Britain's first 'Astronomer Royal'.
Media modal
14 September
13 September
12 September
stay updated
Subscribe to our newsletter to receive the latest news, mission updates, and exclusive insights directly in your inbox. Be the first to know about our upcoming projects and breakthroughs.