Sir Norman Lockyer

Born in Rugby, England, in 1836, Sir Norman Lockyer became one of the best-known scientific figures of his time. He is especially remembered for his work in solar physics and spectroscopy, and for sharing credit with Pierre Janssen for the discovery of helium through observations of the Sun.

Lockyer also had a major influence on scientific publishing. He founded Nature in 1869 and served as its first editor, helping create a journal that would become one of the most important scientific publications in the world.

Later in life, he continued his research and became closely associated with the observatory at Sidmouth that now bears his name. He died in 1920, leaving behind a legacy in both astronomy and the public life of science.