description Robert Burnham Jr. Overview
Robert Burnham Jr. was an American astronomer best known for his extensive work at the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona. During his time there, he co-discovered several comets and conducted a specialized survey of stellar proper motions. His most significant contribution to amateur and professional astronomy is the three-volume Burnham's Celestial Handbook.
First published in its revised form in 1978, the handbook remains a comprehensive reference guide to stars and deep-sky objects.
help Robert Burnham Jr. FAQ
What did Robert Burnham Jr. do at Lowell Observatory?
Burnham worked at Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff on the Lowell Proper Motion Survey, which measured how stars move across the sky over time. The project used photographic observations to identify stars with unusually large proper motions. [Lowell Observatory](https://lowell.edu/robert-burnham-and-his-celestial-handbook/)
What is Robert Burnham Jr.'s Celestial Handbook?
Burnham's Celestial Handbook is a three-volume guide covering the constellations, deep-sky objects, and the mythology and science associated with them. He spent about 21 years developing the work while living near Lowell Observatory. [Lowell Observatory](https://lowell.edu/robert-burnham-and-his-celestial-handbook/)
Did Robert Burnham Jr. discover comets?
Yes, Burnham and collaborators discovered several comets during his Lowell Observatory work, including 56P/Slaughter-Burnham. His astronomical legacy therefore includes both comet discovery and the much more widely known Celestial Handbook.
Why do amateur astronomers still mention Robert Burnham Jr.?
The Celestial Handbook remains valued because it combines observing guidance with scientific and historical context for all 88 constellations. Burnham also contributed to a survey that identified more than 9,000 high-proper-motion stars, giving his work importance beyond popular astronomy.
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