Christiaan Huygens

Profession: Astronomer, Mathematician and Scientist

Biography: Christiaan Huygens was interested in mathematics and astronomy from an early age and applied that knowledge as a young man to building and improving the telescope. After finding a new way to grind his lenses he was able to identify Saturn's large moon Titan for the first time, using his telescope. He also made a detailed study of the nature of Saturn's rings.

His astronomical studies led to an interest in developing a more accurate method of timekeeping, and he invented the Pendulum clock in 1656.

Huygens' upbringing in a wealthy and influential Dutch family gave him entry to all circles. In 1666 he became one of the founding members of the Acadèmie Royale des Sciences in Paris. It was there he published his major work "Horologium Oscillatorium" in 1673.

He was friends with mathematician Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz and in 1689 he met Isaac Newton in London, whom he admired, even if he privately disagreed with his theory of gravity.

Huygens is also remembered for his theory of Light, which he proposed in 1678 and published in 1690 in his work "Traité de la Lumière".

Born: April 14, 1629
Birthplace: The Hague, Netherlands
Star Sign: Aries

Died: July 8, 1695 (aged 66)