Francis Abbott British (Australian) astronomer and meteorologist. Date of Birth: 12.08.1799 Country: Great Britain

1. Early Life and Education
2. Relocation to Manchester
3. Life in Tasmania
4. Meteorological Observations
5. Astronomical Observations
6. Controversial Nebula Observation
7. Scientific Societies and Outreach

Early Life and Education

John Abbott was born in Derby, England (not Australia, as some sources claim). He initially pursued a career in watchmaking, opening his own watchmaking business in his hometown. In 1825, he married Mary Woolley and had seven children with her.

Relocation to Manchester

In 1831, Abbott moved to Manchester, where he focused on crafting clocks and astronomical instruments. However, in 1844, he was convicted of embezzling two clocks and sentenced to penal servitude and transportation to Tasmania.

Life in Tasmania

After serving his sentence, Abbott resumed his watchmaking activities in Hobart, gradually gaining acceptance within the community. From 1855 to 1880, he served as the de facto Government Astronomer and Meteorologist of Tasmania.

Meteorological Observations

Abbott developed a keen interest in meteorology, conducting observations while still serving his sentence at Rossbank Observatory. After his release, he established a private meteorological observatory at his residence. He painstakingly recorded meteorological data and published monthly weather reports for 25 years. Additionally, he authored six monographs detailing the meteorological conditions in Hobart from 1841 to 1879.

Astronomical Observations

Abbott also made significant contributions to astronomy, publishing approximately 35 observational reports. He observed transits of Mercury (1861 and 1868), Venus (1874), and Jupiter's moon Io, as well as sunspots, auroras, and meteors. He independently discovered several comets, including the Great Comets of 1861 and 1865.

Controversial Nebula Observation

In 1863, Abbott made a controversial claim that the nebula surrounding the star Eta Carinae had diminished in size since Herschel's observations in the 1830s. He attributed this to the formation of a planetary system around the star. The assertion was met with skepticism and rejection by the international astronomical community, damaging his credibility.

Scientific Societies and Outreach

Abbott actively participated in the Royal Society of Tasmania and was elected a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society and the Royal Meteorological Society. He authored popular books on astronomy and spectroscopy, aimed at educating the public.