Robert John Aitken

Robert John Aitken was a notable American astronomer known for his contributions to variable star research and stellar classification. He is recognized for developing the Aitken double star catalog, which classifies binary stars based on their proximity and motion. Additionally, Aitken served as the director of the Lick Observatory in California, where he advanced observational techniques and technology in astronomy. His work significantly improved our understanding of the structure and behavior of stars, helping to lay the groundwork for future astronomical studies. Aitken’s legacy endures through his extensive publications and influence on stellar research.