Ernst Hartwig

Ernst Hartwig, born on January 14, 1851, was a distinguished German astronomer and university teacher whose contributions to the field of astronomy are noteworthy. He began his career as an assistant at the Observatory of Strasbourg in 1874, where he laid the groundwork for his future discoveries.

In 1882, Hartwig made significant observations of the transit of Venus in Argentina, showcasing his dedication to astronomical research. His keen observational skills led to the discovery of a new star, SN 1885A (S Andromedae), on August 20, 1885, marking it as the first supernova observed outside the Milky Way.

Throughout his career, Hartwig was also instrumental in the discovery and co-discovery of three notable comets: C/1879 Q2, C/1880 S1, and C/1886 T1. His work at the Strasbourg Observatory during the 1883 observation campaign of comet 6P/d'Arrest resulted in the identification of five NGC objects, further solidifying his reputation in the astronomical community.

In recognition of his exceptional contributions, the French Academy of Sciences awarded him the Valz Prize in 1902 for his heliometer observations and studies on variable stars. In honor of his legacy, both a lunar crater and a Martian crater bear his name, serving as a testament to his impact on the field of astronomy.