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Dirk Klinkenberg (1709 - 1799)


Field(s) of interest: mathematics | astronomy
Gender: female

1709
1799

Biography:
Astronomer and surveyor, father of instrument maker Dirk Klinkenberg jr. Personal astronomer of Prince William V. Provided an explanation how to measure the distance between the Earth and Sun, after observing the transit of Mercury across the Sun. Discovered unknown comets in the years 1743, 1748, 1757 and another in 1759.

Occupations:
Clerk of the secretary of Holland: 1755 (Den Haag)

personal astronomer of Prince William V (Den Haag)

Sources:
J.J. de Lalande, Voyage de Hollande, Paris, Bibliothèque de l’Institut de France, Ms 2195, p. 42-43, 45, 70.

L.T.G. Theunissen (et al), Een elektriserend geleerde : Martinus van Marum 1750-1837 (Haarlem 1987).

http://www.historici.nl/retroboeken/vdaa/#source=aa__001biog12_01.xml&page=231&accessor=accessor_index&view=imagePane