Aitken, Robert Grant

Progressive deafness began in early childhood, from otitis media. Attended public schools; entered Williams College intending to become a minister, but fascination with the sciences caused him to change his mind. Graduating in 1887, became a teacher at Livermore College; in 1891, professor of mathematics at University of the Pacific, then spent 40 years with the Lick Observatory of the University of California at Santa Cruz, the last 5 years as director, before retirement in 1935. His distinguishing astronomical specialty was double stars. Died at Berkeley, CA. A 135 km crater on the Moon's far side is named in his honor. It is located at lat. 16.8 S and long. 173.4 E.