description Norman Lockyer Overview
Norman Lockyer was an English astronomer and science journalist who made significant discoveries in solar spectroscopy during the 19th century. In 1868, he independently co-discovered an unknown element in the Sun's spectrum, which he named helium after the Greek word for the sun. In addition to his astronomical research, Lockyer founded the prominent scientific journal Nature in 1869, which he edited for 50 years. He also established the Norman Lockyer Observatory in Devon to further his studies of stellar evolution and solar physics.
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What did Norman Lockyer discover in 1868?
In 1868, Norman Lockyer independently identified an unknown element in the Sun's spectrum. He and French astronomer Pierre Janssen are credited with the discovery of helium.
Why did Lockyer name the element helium?
Lockyer chose helium from Helios, the Greek name for the Sun. The name reflected the fact that the element was first detected in solar spectroscopy.
Was helium discovered in the Sun before it was found on Earth?
Yes. Helium was identified in the solar spectrum in 1868 and was not isolated on Earth until William Ramsay did so in 1895.
What did Norman Lockyer do besides solar astronomy?
Lockyer was also a science journalist and founded the journal Nature in 1869. His work helped connect professional astronomy with wider scientific publishing.
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