In the May 2015 issue of Astronomy, Ralph Wilkins wrote an excellent account of his visit to the Herschel Museum in Bath, England. This was the former home of astronomer William Herschel, who, at this very house, found the seventh planet in our solar system, Uranus.
Because space was limited, we could not present more than 10 images from the museum. So, here are 10 more for you to enjoy. Hopefully, someday soon you, too, will be able to travel to see this revered spot of astronomy’s history.
The town of Bath impresses visitors. This view is from the doorway of the Herschel Museum.
Caroline Herschel’s visitor’s book is on display in the museum. She entertained many famous astronomers of the day.
This re-creation of the Herschels’ dining room accurately portrays one of the home’s original rooms.
Cases throughout the museum house speculum (an alloy of copper and tin) mirrors hand ground by William.
One photograph displayed Lady Herschel, wife to William’s son, John.
Astronomy Senior Editor Michael E. Bakich stands in the garden where William discovered Uranus.
The street on which the Herschel Museum sits is a neighborhood avenue like many others in Bath.
This plaque commemorates some of the discoveries made by the Herschels.
The garden housed many pretty flowers. This was one of them.
William discovered infrared radiation in 1800 using a prism and a thermometer similar to these instruments.
