The Man Who Charted the Moon

Brewing and Stargazing

Born in 1611 in Danzig (modern Gdańsk, Poland), Johannes Hevelius inherited his family’s brewing business but devoted his wealth to astronomy. In 1641, he built a rooftop observatory in his home, which became one of Europe’s finest centers for celestial observation.

Mapping the Moon

In 1647, Hevelius published Selenographia, the first detailed lunar atlas. Over five years, he meticulously engraved observations of the moon’s phases and topography on copper plates. His lunar maps captivated Europe, earning praise from astronomers and even the Pope.

A Fiery Setback

In 1679, a fire destroyed Hevelius’s observatory and instruments. Remarkably, his daughter Katharina saved his handwritten star catalog, preserving years of work. Hevelius and his wife Elisabeth later rebuilt the observatory, resuming their astronomical endeavors.

A Lasting Legacy

Hevelius’s contributions extended beyond lunar maps. His star catalog named constellations still in use today, including the Lynx, a nod to his exceptional eyesight. He and Elisabeth are buried in Gdańsk, near a statue honoring his pioneering work in astronomy.

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