Moon phase as can be seen during the 13th day of the month. By Irish astronomer, Sir Robert Stawell Ball (1840-1913).


Ball started his career in astronomy in 1865 working for Lord Rosse (William Parsons, 3rd Earl of Rosse). In 1845, Rosse had commissioned to build of the world's largest telescope, known as the Leviathan of Parsonstown - a six-foot reflecting telescope that remained the largest in the world until 1917 when the Hooker Telescope was built in California.



In 1874, Ball was appointed Royal Astronomer of Ireland and in 1881, Ball was invited to give the prestigious Christmas Lecture at The Royal Institution. Titled 'The Sun, The Moon and the Planets' - it was so popular that he was invited back to give a further four Christmas lectures in 1887, 1892, 1898 and 1900. In his lifetime it is said he gave an estimated 2500 lectures on popular science.



A minor planet is named 4809 Robertball, in his honour.


Printed colour. [CELEST1568]