Astronomical Spectroscope

The third generation of his family to hold the title Professor of Natural Philosophy at Dartmouth, Charles Augustus Young 1853 was the most prominent astronomer of his era. When Young joined the Dartmouth faculty in 1865 the sun was the hottest astronomical topic. Thanks to his invention of a special spectroscope, a device that measures the wavelengths and intensity of light, Young became one of the world's greatest experts on solar studies. Eventually his printed works filled ten volumes. In 1877 he was lured to Princeton and its richer research coffers.

"Twinkle" Young's device helped make the sun a hot topic.