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John Goodricke. Photo by James Scouler.

Top 10 Intriguing Facts about John Goodricke

John Goodricke was a Dutch-English amateur astronomer. He was born in Groningen in the Netherlands on 17 September 1764. However, he lived most of his life in England.

His great grandfather Sir John Goodricke was of the lineage of the Goodricke baronets of Ribston Hall. John Goodricke of Ribston had been a great supporter of King Charles I, who in turn created the Baronetcy of Goodricke in 1641.

John Goodricke is credited for his groundbreaking observations and conclusions in the study of variable stars. These lay the basis for modern measurement of the universe by astronomers using a variation of light from stars.

Despite becoming deaf at an early age, Goodricke achieved some of the greatest feats in astronomy before his early death at 21.

He is best known for his observations of the variable star Algol, for which he was awarded the prestigious Copley Medal by the Royal Society. Here are some of the top intriguing facts about John Goodricke.

1. Goodricke became deaf at the age of 5

He fell ill at around the age of 5, a common occurrence for most children at the time. The illness is speculated to have been scarlet fever, although this is not conclusive.

Unfortunately, although he survived the illness, it left him with hearing complications, resulting in him becoming deaf at such an early age.

2. He studied at Thomas Braidwood’s Academy for the Deaf in Edinburgh

Brown plaque erected by London Borough of Hackney at Rowe House, For the Thomas Braidwood Academy for the Deaf and Dumb. Photo by Sludgegulper.

Goodricke’s family was rich enough to afford him a good education at the first and only institution for the deaf at the time in Edinburgh. He was sent to study at the age of 7 at the Thomas Braidwood’s Academy for the Deaf and Dumb.

He then went on to study at the Warrington Academy, where he excelled in mathematics. The Academy was well known for its emphasis on natural philosophy, science, and mathematics.

According to Goodricke’s notebooks from Warrington, he had begun observing the sky at the age of 15.

3. He was a close collaborator of astronomer Edward Pigott

After his studies at Warrington, he returned to York to live with his parents in 1781. His neighbor was Edward Pigott, son of astronomer Nathaniel Pigott. Nathaniel and built a private observatory.

Edward and Goodricke, having similar interests in the observation of stars became great friends. The two would observe the sky together every clear night and make recordings in their journals.

Most of the observations were made from the family lodgings at Treasurer’s House. The two decided to focus on stars whose light appeared to vary from time to time after a short time of observing the sky.

Goodricke would soon make groundbreaking discoveries of variable stars.

4. Goodricke is credited for his observations of the variable star ‘Algol’

Marker for John Goodricke in York, England 2004. Photo by Chris 4682.

During their observations with Edward, Goodricke discovered that a particular star appeared to dim its light and then become bright again in intervals.

From his notes on 12 November 1782, he wrote ‘ This night I looked at Beta Persei (Algol), and was much amazed to find its brightness altered. I observed it diligently for an hour- I hardly believed that it changed its brightness because I never heard of a star varying so quickly in its brightness.’

Goodricke, was, to say the least, fascinated by this. He determined that the dimming of Algol’s light occurred exactly after every 2.8 days.

He also determined the periodic variation of two other variable stars

5. He was awarded the prestigious Copley Medal by the Royal Society at the age of 19

Copley Medal awarded to George Stokes in 1893 (obverse). Photo by Teresa Stokes.

Having determined the interval of the variation of brightness of the star Algol, Goodricke explained that this was most likely a result of an unseen planet eclipsing the star. His theory and findings were presented to the Royal Society.

 He was awarded the Copley Medal in August 1783 for his determination of the variation of Algol. The medal is awarded annually for ‘outstanding achievements in research in any branch of science.’

Numerous distinguished scientists have received the award since its inception in 1731. Goodricke remains the youngest recipient at 19.

6. He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1786

Entrance to the Royal Society, Carlton House Terrace, London. Photo by Tom Morris.

The Royal Society is a distinguished learned society and national academy of sciences in the United Kingdom. It was founded on 28 November 1660 and granted a royal charter by King Charles II as ‘The Royal Society.’

 Goodricke was elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society on 16 April 1786. His nomination for membership was put forward by Nathaniel Pigott.

It was supported by seven other members including Nevil Maskelyne, two members of the Board of Longitude, and professors from Cambridge and Oxford.

7. Goodricke died from pneumonia at 21

Goodricke family vault on the grounds of Hunsingore Church, Hunsingore, North Yorkshire, England, UK. Photo by Cmholm.

Unfortunately, just about 4 days after his election to the Royal Society as a member, Goodricke came down with a severe bout of pneumonia. On 20 April 1786, he died at 21, and his loss was not only mourned by his family and friends, but also by the astronomical society.

He had made groundbreaking observations in his short period in the study of stars.  He was never married. He was buried at Hunsingore church in Yorkshire, along with many of his relatives.

8. The Goodricke Pigott Observatory was established in 1996

It is a private astronomical observatory in Tucson, Arizona. It is named after Goodricke and his friend Edward Pigott. It was formally dedicated on 26 October 1996.

The first observation at the observatory was that of the Comet Hale-Bopp, one of the most widely observed comets of the 20^th century. It was conducted on the evening of 26^th October, the same day it was formally opened.

9. Two University of York students recreated Goodricke’s observations

Treasurer’s House, York. Photo by Mike Reel. Wikimedia Commons.

This was done between October 2005 and March 2006. Sean Ellingham and James Valner from the University of York began research to find out where Goodricke made his observations, using the data he recorded.

By re-creating his observations, they concluded that he had made them from the easternmost window of the second floor of the Treasurer’s House. However, other records indicate that his family had rented rooms in the northwest wing of the house.

10. An asteroid is named after him in his honor

In the astronomer’s honor, Asteroid 3116 Goodricke is named after him. It was discovered on February 11, 1983.

The University of York also has a Goodricke College named after John Goodricke.

In 2012, a non-profit organization named after Goodricke was established in Armenia was established by a group of amateur astronomers