Henry Draper

Henry Draper (1837-1882) was an American physician and pioneering astronomer known for his work in astrophotography. He was the first to photograph a spectrum of a star, significantly advancing the study of astronomy. Draper's research helped lay the groundwork for the field of spectroscopy, which analyzes light emitted by celestial objects to determine their composition, temperature, and motion. His contributions facilitated a deeper understanding of the universe and its stars. The Henry Draper Medal, named in his honor, recognizes significant contributions to astronomy and is awarded by the National Academy of Sciences.