History of Harold Spencer Jones in Timeline

Sir Harold Spencer Jones was a prominent English astronomer, celebrated for his expertise in positional astronomy. Notably, he held the esteemed position of the tenth Astronomer Royal for an impressive 23-year tenure. It's worth mentioning that, despite being born with the surname "Jones," it later became "Spencer Jones."

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1911: Graduation from Jesus College, Cambridge

In 1911, Harold Spencer Jones graduated from Jesus College, Cambridge, and was awarded a postgraduate studentship, later becoming a Fellow of the college.

December 1913: Elected to the Royal Astronomical Society

In December 1913, Spencer Jones was elected to the Royal Astronomical Society.

1914: Travel to Minsk for Solar Eclipse Observation

In 1914, Spencer Jones travelled to Minsk to observe a total solar eclipse, departing in peacetime and returning after the start of World War I.

1918: Marriage to Gladys Mary Owers

In 1918, Harold Spencer Jones married Gladys Mary Owers.

1919: Solar eclipse observation

In 1919, a solar eclipse was observed, and the deflection of the light of stars by the Sun was seen during the eclipse.

March 1921: Joined the British Astronomical Association

In March 1921, Spencer Jones joined the British Astronomical Association.

1922: Travel to Christmas Island for Solar Eclipse Observation

In 1922, Spencer Jones travelled to Christmas Island to observe a total solar eclipse, but cloud cover hindered the attempt to verify the deflection of starlight by the Sun.

December 1923: Arrival in South Africa

In December 1923, Spencer Jones and his wife arrived in South Africa after his appointment as His Majesty's Astronomer at the Cape of Good Hope.

1930: Observations of 433 Eros

In 1930, Spencer Jones began a series of observations of the minor planet 433 Eros during its close approach, aimed at improving measurements of the distance between the Sun and the Earth.

1931: Observations of 433 Eros

In 1931, Spencer Jones continued a series of observations of the minor planet 433 Eros during its close approach, aimed at improving measurements of the distance between the Sun and the Earth.

1933: Appointment as Astronomer Royal

In 1933, Spencer Jones succeeded Sir Frank Dyson as Astronomer Royal and returned to Britain to take charge of the Royal Observatory, Greenwich.

1937: President of the Royal Astronomical Society

In 1937, Spencer Jones served as president of the Royal Astronomical Society.

1939: President of the British Horological Institute

In 1939, Spencer Jones served as president of the British Horological Institute.

1939: End of term as President of the Royal Astronomical Society

In 1939, Spencer Jones's term as president of the Royal Astronomical Society ended.

1943: Knighthood

In 1943, Spencer Jones was knighted.

1944: Royal Institution Christmas Lecture

In 1944, Spencer Jones was invited to deliver the Royal Institution Christmas Lecture on Astronomy in our Daily Life.

1945: President of the International Astronomical Union

In 1945, Spencer Jones became the president of the International Astronomical Union.

1947: First President of the Royal Institute of Navigation

In 1947, Spencer Jones was elected the first President of the Royal Institute of Navigation.

1948: Move to Herstmonceux

In 1948, Spencer Jones moved from Greenwich to Herstmonceux in Sussex, following government agreement to relocate the observatory, marking a significant shift in his career.