E. Walter Maunder

Here's what I can tell you about E. Walter Maunder:

Who he was:

• Edward Walter Maunder (1851-1928) was an English astronomer.

His contribution to astronomy:

• He is best known for his research on sunspots and the solar magnetic cycle.
• Notably, he identified a period from 1645 to 1715 with very few sunspots, now known as the Maunder Minimum. This period of low solar activity coincided with a colder climate on Earth, suggesting a possible link between solar activity and Earth's climate.

Career Highlights:

• Maunder started his career as a photographic and spectroscopic assistant at the Royal Greenwich Observatory in 1873.
• He worked there for 40 years, serving under three Astronomers Royal.
• He was also a fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society from 1875 and played a key role in founding the British Astronomical Association in 1890.
• This association aimed to make astronomy accessible to everyone, particularly encouraging women's participation (which was not common at the time).

Other facts:

• Maunder married twice.
• His second wife, Annie Scott Dill Maunder, was also an astronomer and collaborator in his work.
• He returned to the Royal Greenwich Observatory briefly during World War I to help with staffing shortages.

It's important to note:

• Information about astronomers from the early 20th century might be less readily available online compared to more contemporary figures.