William Wilson Morgan
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William Wilson Morgan (January 3, 1906 – June 21, 1994) was an American astronomer.
The principle theme in Morgan's work was the study of stellar and galaxy classification. Along with P. Kennan he developed the MK system for the classification of stars through their spectra. He also developed several galaxy classification systems, including the first systems to use the physical properties of galaxies, as opposed to simple eye-ball estimates favoured by Edwin Hubble. He invented the now widely used classification cD for massive galaxies in the centres of clusters.
He worked at Yerkes Observatory. Along with Donald Osterbrock and Stewart Sharpless, he used distance measurements of O and B type stars to show the existence of spiral arms in the Milky Way Galaxy.
[edit] Honors
Awards
- Bruce Medal (1958)
- Henry Norris Russell Lectureship (1961)
- Henry Draper Medal (1980)
- Herschel Medal (1983)
Named after him
- Asteroid 3180 Morgan
[edit] External links
[edit] See also
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