KNOX-SHAW, H [Dr.]Professional Astronomer Born: 12 October 1885, Sussex, U.K. |
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| Famous for: Director of Radcliffe Observatory 1939 – 1951 . Summary: |
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| History: Knox-Shaw was an astronomer in Egypt. When he became director of Radcliffe Observatory in Oxford (1924), he did not like the British seeing conditions. Knox-Shaw decided to move the Observatory to a better view sight. The correct opportunity presented itself and the Observatory was moved from Oxford to Pretoria in 1939. Thus Knox-Shaw was director of the Radcliffe between 1924 to 1951. (Radcliffe Oxford: 1924 – 1939 / Radcliffe Pretoria: 1939 – 1951) “Knox-Shaw was a man of great charm and sense of humour as well as absolute dedication. There is a story that on one occasion he had a bet with Eddington about the value of a certain mathematical constant. As it was unlikely that the matter would be cleared up during their lifetimes, it was agreed that the loser should ultimately present the winner with a new harp. Most astronomers agree that by now the bet has been fairly and squarely won by Knox-Shaw..”. [Copied from Moore, p.115.] . Career: Trinity College, Cambridge. (Sixth Wrangler 1907) 1908?: Assistant at Khedivial Observatory, Helwan Egypt. 1913: Superintendent at Khedivial. 1924 – 1939: Director Radcliffe Observatory, Oxford, U.K. 1939 – 1951: Director of Radcliffe Observatory, Pretoria.1951: Retire. . Personal: 1885 October 12: Born at St Leonards on Sea, Sussex. Educated Wellington College 1951: Retire to Elgin Valley, Western Cape. 1970 April 8: Died Cape Town. |
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Link to the Telescope Manufacturers. |
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Link to the Main Bibliography Section and more information about Sources. |
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| Remaining Artifacts: . Bibliography: Moore, P. & Collins, P., Astronomy in Southern Africa, pp.114 – 119. (General Source) Smits, P., A Brief History of Astronomy in Southern Africa. (Unpublished) . By Knox-Shaw: |
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| Related Internal Links: Radcliffe Observatory. . Related External Links Historical Astronomical Posts in Britain and Ireland |
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