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Science

Jan Heweliusz

1611 - 1687 · Astronomer · b. in Gdańsk

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Astronomer and chairman of the city council of the Old Town of Gdańsk (1611-1687)

Johannes Hevelius was a councillor and chairman of the city council of the Old Town, Gdańsk. As an astronomer, he gained a reputation as "the founder of lunar topography", and described ten new constellations, seven of which are still used by astronomers.

Key achievements

  • 01Pioneering mapping of the Moon (Selenographia)
  • 02Catalogued more than 1,500 stars
  • 03Named several constellations still used today

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