Herschel

Herschel is a surname associated with several notable figures and institutions in the history of astronomy. The most prominent is William Herschel (1738–1822), a German-born British astronomer who expanded observational astronomy in the late 18th century. He is best known for discovering Uranus in 1781 and for pioneering systematic sky surveys with large telescopes. His work also led to early demonstrations of infrared radiation, discovered through experiments with thermometers and sunlight beyond the visible spectrum. His sister Caroline Herschel (1750–1848) contributed as an astronomer as well, discovering several comets and assisting in cataloging celestial objects.

The name Herschel is also associated with the Herschel Space Observatory, a European Space Agency infrared telescope launched in 2009 and operating until 2013. It observed the universe in the far infrared and submillimeter range, enabling insights into cold dust, star formation, and distant galaxies. Herschel’s instruments included a large 3.5-meter mirror, making it one of the largest space-based infrared observatories of its time. The mission was named in honor of William Herschel.

Beyond individuals, the Herschel name appears in the naming of lunar features and other celestial objects, as well as in various institutions and projects in astronomy. The use of the name reflects the enduring influence of William Herschel’s methods and discoveries on astronomical research, telescope design, and celestial naming conventions.