Joseph Von Fraunhofer

German optician, famous for discovering “Franuhofer line” in the Sun’s spectrum

[ Born: 1787 / Straubing, Germany ]

[ Died: 1826 / Munich, Germany ]

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• 1814 - Discovered 574 lines appearing in the sun’s spectrum after inventing the spectroscope. These were later called “Fraunhofer lines” by Kirchoff and Bunsen who explained the lines to be atomic absorption lines.
• Invented the diffraction grating allowing the wavelength of light to be measured more accurately
• Gained a reputation among the science world for creating the best optical grade glass after working at the Optical Institute at Benediktbeuern.

Trivia - Fraunhofer died at the early age of 39, most likely due to heavy metal vapour poisoning after years working in his glassworks.

Image from scientific-web.com