G. B. R. (George Biddell Airy)

George Biddell Airy (1801-1892) was a prominent British astronomer and mathematician, known for his work in developing theories of celestial mechanics. He served as the Astronomer Royal, where he greatly improved the Greenwich Observatory. Airy made significant contributions to the understanding of optics and gravity, including the Airy disk, which describes the pattern of light around stars — important for astronomical observations. He also worked on the establishment of accurate timekeeping and mapping systems. His legacy includes advancements in both astronomy and mathematics that have influenced scientific research and navigation.