1. Hermann Goldschmidt
2. Artistic and Scientific Pursuits
3. Discovery of "Chiron"
4. Other Scientific Contributions
5. Recognition and Legacy
6. Conversion to Christianity

Hermann Goldschmidt

Early Life and Education

Hermann Goldschmidt was born in Frankfurt, Germany, in 1802 to a Jewish merchant family. He relocated to Paris to pursue a career in painting.

Artistic and Scientific Pursuits

Goldschmidt exhibited talent as a painter, producing several notable works. However, his interests soon shifted toward astronomy.

Discovery of "Chiron"

In April 1861, Goldschmidt announced the discovery of a ninth satellite of Saturn, which he named "Chiron." However, further observations proved his claim to be erroneous. Today, the name "Chiron" refers to the atypical asteroid/comet designated as 2060 Chiron.

Other Scientific Contributions

Goldschmidt is credited with making the first observations of "shadow waves" (1820) that occur moments prior to a total solar eclipse.

Recognition and Legacy

In 1861, he received the Royal Astronomical Society's Gold Medal. His name is commemorated through the Goldschmidt crater on the Moon and the asteroid 1614 Goldschmidt.

Conversion to Christianity

Hermann Goldschmidt converted from Judaism to Christianity.

Astronomy