Background
King, Edward Skinner was born on May 31, 1861 in Liverpool, New York, United States. Son of Nathaniel and Cornelia C. (Skinner) King.
King, Edward Skinner was born on May 31, 1861 in Liverpool, New York, United States. Son of Nathaniel and Cornelia C. (Skinner) King.
In 1887 he graduated from Hamilton College and joined the staff of the Harvard Observatory, where he supervised the photographic imaging and related work.
Connected from 1887, with Harvard College Observatory (except 3 years absent on account of ill health). Observer in charge Harvard Station on Mount Wilson, California, 1889. Assistant professor astronomy, 1913-1926, Phillips professor, Harvard, since 1926.
Obtained first photographic observation of the occultation of a star, also first photograph of spectrum of the aurora.
Perfected method of obtaining circular photographic images of the stars without visual guiding of the telescope. Devised method of transforming prismatic to normal spectra, both photographically and mechanically.
Determined photographic magnitudes of bright stars and planets, from images photographed out of focus. Made photographic measures of the light of the moon, also of the sun.
Has maintained systematic tests of photographic plates, since 1896.
Also determined photovisual magnitudes of stars, and derived color indices of planets.
Fellow American Academy Arts and Sciences, American Association for the Advancement of Science.
Married Kate Irene Colson, July 23, 1890. Children: Harold Skinner, Margaret Wight, Everett Tryon (deceased).