Airy, George Biddell

views updated May 08 2018

Airy, George Biddell (1801–92) A Cambridge astronomer and mathematician, Airy became Astronomer Royal in 1835. He investigated planetary motion and tides, and studied the Earth and its density, using gravity measurements. His name is used to describe one version of the theory of isostasy. His wide-ranging advice to the government on scientific issues created, for the first time, the role of a professional scientific civil servant.

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