William Frederick DENNING

Background

DENNING, William Frederick was born on November 25, 1848 in near Radstock, Somerset. Son of I. Poyntz Denning, public accountant, Bristol.

Education

Studied at various schools at Bristol.

Career

Began the study of astronomy, 1865. Chief instruments 10-inch and 12-inch reflectors. Has discovered five comets, some new nebulse, and has made a number of planetary observations.

The study of the surface markings, rotation periods, and phenomena of Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn have especially engaged his attention and formed the subject of many papers.

His principal labour, however, has been in the meteoric department, in which field he has accumulated a great number of observations and discovered some features of meteoric systems never previously recognised. Acted as President Liverpool Astronomical Society, 1887-1888.

Awarded bronze comet-medals by Astronomical Society of the Pacific in 1890, 1892, and 1894. Received Valz prize from the Academy of Sciences, Paris, 1895, in recognition of his successful researches in various branches of astronomy.

Was awarded gold medal Royal Astronomical Society, February 1898, for his meteoric observations, cometary discoveries, and other astronomical work.

Granted a Civil List pension of £150, 1904.; Accountant and writer on astronomical subjects.

Works

• book

  • Telescopic Work for Starlight Evenings 1891

    (Originally published in 1891. This volume from the Cornel...)

  • Telescopic Work for Starlight Evenings (Cambridge Library Collection - Astronomy)

    (William F. Denning (1848-1931) was a British astronomer f...)

Membership

Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society, 1877.

• Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society, 1877.

Interests

• Hunting, cricket, chess.

Connections

Father:

I. Poyntz Denning