Joel Hastings Metcalf

Joel Hastings Metcalf, born on January fourth, eighteen sixty-six, was a distinguished American astronomer and reverend known for his significant contributions to both science and humanitarian efforts. After graduating from Harvard Divinity School in eighteen ninety-two, he dedicated his life to serving as a Unitarian minister in various locations, including Burlington, Vermont, and Taunton, Massachusetts, as well as Winchester, Massachusetts, and Portland, Maine.

Metcalf's passion for astronomy led him to discover and co-discover several comets, notably including 23P/Brorsen-Metcalf and 97P/Metcalf-Brewington. His remarkable work in the field of celestial bodies also resulted in the discovery of forty-one asteroids between nineteen hundred five and nineteen hundred fourteen, a feat recognized by the Minor Planet Center.

In honor of his contributions to astronomy, two main-belt asteroids were named after him: 726 Joëlla and 792 Metcalfia. Reverend Metcalf's legacy continues to inspire both astronomers and those dedicated to humanitarian causes.