Observing the heavens from Barcelona, Josep Comas i Solà established a career identifying minor planets, comets, and double stars throughout the early twentieth century. His contributions to the field of astronomy began early, with the publication of a specialist article at age fifteen, leading to a professional tenure that helped shape scientific understanding from Spain.
Early Development and Education
Born in Barcelona in 1868, Comas i Solà showed a precocious interest in celestial mechanics. He began documenting his astronomical observations at ten years of age. His formal scientific education was conducted at the University of Barcelona, providing the foundation for a career that focused on the rigorous observation of planets and stellar bodies.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Observational Astronomy and Discoveries
As the director of the Fabra Observatory from its inception in 1904, Comas i Solà conducted significant research on Mars and Saturn. He measured the rotation period of Saturn and, in 1908, observed limb darkening on the moon Titan, providing early evidence of its atmosphere. His discovery record includes the periodic comet 32P/Comas Solà and the co-discovery of the non-periodic comet C/1925 F1. Furthermore, he is credited by the Minor Planet Center with the identification of eleven asteroids between 1915 and 1930, alongside the discovery of the double star SOL 1.
Professional Recognition and Legacy
The scientific community acknowledged his output through several honors, most notably the Prix Jules Janssen in 1905, awarded by the Société astronomique de France. He held a position as an honorary member of the Physics Association in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, starting in 1924, and served as the first president of the Spanish and American Astronomical Society. He was a member of the Royal Academy of Sciences and Arts of Barcelona throughout his professional life, which concluded with his death in 1937.
Fast facts
- Born: 1868, Barcelona
- Died: 1937, Barcelona
- Education: University of Barcelona
- Key Appointment: Head of Fabra Observatory (from 1904)
- Notable Award: Prix Jules Janssen (1905)
- Discoveries: 11 asteroids, periodic comet 32P/Comas Solà, double star SOL 1
Questions readers ask
What significant planetary evidence did he produce?
In 1908, he observed limb darkening on Saturn's moon Titan, which served as the first evidence that the moon possessed an atmosphere.
Are there any astronomical features named after him?
Yes, he is honored by the asteroid 1655 Comas Solà, the asteroid 1102 Pepita, and the Comas Sola crater located on Mars.
Achievements
- Held posts at Fabra Observatory
- Educated at University of Barcelona
