Robert Burnham Jr.

Robert Burnham Jr.
Robert Burnham Jr. at Lowell Observatory
Born(1931-06-16)June 16, 1931
DiedMarch 20, 1993(1993-03-20) (aged 61)
Resting placeFort Rosecrans National Cemetery
Known forBurnham's Celestial Handbook
Scientific career
FieldsAstronomy
InstitutionsLowell 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.