John Goodricke

John Goodricke was an English astronomer in the 18th century, born in 1764. He is best known for his work on variable stars, particularly Delta Cephei, which he observed and recognized for its unusual brightness changes. Goodricke proposed that these changes were linked to periodic behavior, laying foundational concepts for understanding such stars. Despite facing challenges, including deafness, he made significant contributions to astronomy. His work helped later scientists understand stellar variability and earned him a place in the history of astronomy. He passed away at a young age in 1786 but left a lasting impact on the field.