6 - Moving in the inner circle

Summary

I saw … the creation of a great method of astronomical observation which could not fail in future to have a powerful influence on the progress of astronomy …

– William Huggins

Huggins could have set himself the arduous task of examining the spectrum of every known nebular object, or systematically cataloguing the spectra of northern hemisphere stars. Instead, he pursued a varied and opportunistic research programme like many other amateur astronomers of his day, devoting considerable time and serious attention to research problems generated by others, and to the exotic rather than the mundane. As an independent observer he was free of the obligations and commitments that restricted his institution-bound contemporaries. Driven by broad interests and an insatiable curiosity, he explored a number of different subjects in innovative and often technically demanding ways. His challenge was to maximise his exposure to opportunities for new discoveries without becoming identified as a speculative or impulsive dilettante.

It was a challenge his years as an entrepreneur had prepared him well to meet. He developed a reputation for care in making observations and caution in suggesting explanations for the phenomena he observed. His successes led to more opportunities for success, and he became recognised as one upon whom colleagues could rely for advice on spectroscopic matters.

Cultivating advantageous alliances

In June 1865, the Royal Society called on Huggins to verify a discovery recently announced by Father Angelo Secchi, director of the Vatican observatory.