Charles Dillon Perrine advanced the field of observational astronomy through a career spanning decades at the Lick Observatory in California and the Argentine National Observatory. Born in 1867, he gained professional standing by mastering celestial photography, eventually leading major international expeditions to document solar eclipses and testing fundamental shifts in physical theory through precise technical observation.
Early Development and Lick Observatory
After graduating high school in 1884, Perrine spent time as a bookkeeper before responding to an invitation from E. S. Holden to observe the 1889 solar eclipse. This volunteer effort led to his 1893 appointment as Secretary at Lick Observatory. Over the following years, he gained specialized expertise in telescopic photography, rising to the position of astronomer by 1905. During this period, he rebuilt the 36-inch Crossley Reflector, a tool essential for his subsequent discoveries in the solar system.
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Between 1895 and 1902, Perrine identified eight unexpected and four periodic comets. His technical proficiency with the Crossley Reflector allowed him to discover the sixth and seventh moons of Jupiter, designated Himalia and Elara, in late 1904 and early 1905. These findings significantly expanded the known population of Jupiter's satellites. His contributions were recognized in 1897 with the Lalande Prize and later by awards from the Mexican Astronomical Society and honorary status from Santa Clara College.
Relativity Research in Argentina
In 1909, Perrine moved to Córdoba to serve as Director of the Argentine National Observatory, a position he held until 1936. Working with Erwin Finlay-Freundlich, he organized expeditions to Cristina, Brazil, in 1912 and Feodosia, Russia, in 1914 to test the deflection of starlight near the Sun, an early requirement to evaluate Einstein’s theory of gravity. Persistent rain and clouds prevented conclusive measurements during these events. Despite these outcomes, he established a foundation for modern astrophysics in Argentina and oversaw the development of the 60-inch telescope at Bosque Alegre.
Fast facts
- Born: 1867, Steubenville, Ohio
- Died: 1951, Córdoba, Argentina
- Primary Employers: Lick Observatory, Argentine National Observatory
- Lalande Prize recipient: 1897
- Discovered moons: Himalia and Elara
- Citizenship: United States, Argentina
Questions readers ask
What major astronomical bodies did Charles Dillon Perrine discover?
He is credited with the discovery of Jupiter's moons Himalia and Elara, as well as multiple periodic comets.
Why were his solar eclipse expeditions significant?
Perrine led the first attempts to test Albert Einstein’s theory of gravitational light deflection by observing starlight during the 1912 and 1914 solar eclipses.
Achievements
- Held posts at Argentine National Observatory and Lick Observatory
- Fields of research: astronomy
