What distinguished Herschel’s appointment as King’s Astronomer from the historical roles of earlier Astronomers Royal like Flamsteed?
Answer
It was a recognition of pure scientific merit based on a massive observational breakthrough
Herschel's appointment followed his discovery of a planet, signifying a shift toward state support rewarding groundbreaking cosmological achievements rather than roles tied primarily to cartography or state functions.
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Sir William Herschel -- "The King's Astronomer" | David Rives
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