Robert Burnham Jr.
Robert Burnham Jr. | |
|---|---|
Robert Burnham Jr. at Lowell Observatory | |
| Born | June 16, 1931 |
| Died | March 20, 1993 (aged 61) |
| Resting place | Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery |
| Known for | Burnham's Celestial Handbook |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Astronomy |
| Institutions | Lowell Observatory |
Robert Burnham Jr. (June 16, 1931 – March 20, 1993) was an American astronomer, best known for writing the classic three-volume Burnham's Celestial Handbook. He discovered numerous asteroids, including the Mars crossing asteroid 3397 Leyla, and six comets.
Burnham's late years were tragic; he died destitute and alone. However, he is remembered by a generation of deep sky observers for his unique contribution to astronomy, the Celestial Handbook. The main-belt asteroid 3467 Bernheim was named in his honor.