# Guillaume Bigourdan

> French astronomer (1851–1932)

**Wikidata**: [Q363953](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q363953)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guillaume_Bigourdan)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/guillaume-bigourdan

## Summary
Guillaume Bigourdan was a French astronomer who lived from 1851 to 1932. He is best known for his work at the Paris Observatory and his contributions to the field of astronomy, including receiving prestigious awards such as the Lalande Prize and the Gold Medal of the Royal Astronomical Society.

## Biography
- Born: April 6, 1851
- Nationality: French
- Education: University of Toulouse (1896-1968)
- Known for: Contributions to astronomy, work at Paris Observatory
- Employer(s): Paris Observatory, Toulouse Observatory
- Field(s): Astronomy

## Contributions
Guillaume Bigourdan made significant contributions to the field of astronomy during his career. He worked at the Paris Observatory, one of the foremost astronomical observatories in France, where he conducted research and observations. Bigourdan was also affiliated with the Toulouse Observatory, expanding his astronomical work beyond Paris. His contributions to the field were recognized through several prestigious awards, including the Lalande Prize from the French Academy of Sciences, the Gold Medal of the Royal Astronomical Society, and the Prix Jules Janssen, a French astronomy award established in 1897.

## FAQs
**What were Guillaume Bigourdan's main contributions to astronomy?**
Bigourdan's main contributions were his work at the Paris Observatory and his research in astronomy, which earned him recognition through several prestigious awards in the field.

**Where did Guillaume Bigourdan work during his career?**
Bigourdan worked at the Paris Observatory, the foremost astronomical observatory in France, and was also affiliated with the Toulouse Observatory.

**What awards did Guillaume Bigourdan receive for his work?**
Bigourdan received several notable awards including the Lalande Prize from the French Academy of Sciences, the Gold Medal of the Royal Astronomical Society, and the Prix Jules Janssen.

**When was Guillaume Bigourdan born and when did he die?**
Guillaume Bigourdan was born on April 6, 1851, and died on February 28, 1932.

## Why They Matter
Guillaume Bigourdan matters in the history of astronomy for his dedicated work at the Paris Observatory and his contributions to the field that were recognized by his peers through prestigious awards. His career spanned a significant period in the development of modern astronomy, and his work at one of France's premier astronomical institutions helped advance the field during a time of rapid scientific progress.

## Notable For
- Work at the Paris Observatory, the foremost astronomical observatory in France
- Receiving the Lalande Prize from the French Academy of Sciences
- Being awarded the Gold Medal of the Royal Astronomical Society
- Receiving the Prix Jules Janssen, a French astronomy award
- Affiliation with both Paris Observatory and Toulouse Observatory

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Guillaume Bigourdan was born on April 6, 1851, in France. He pursued his education at the University of Toulouse, which existed from 1896 to 1968, though the institution itself has a much longer history dating back to 1229. The university provided Bigourdan with the foundational knowledge that would support his future career in astronomy.

### Career at Paris Observatory
Bigourdan's most significant professional affiliation was with the Paris Observatory, which was founded in 1667 and is recognized as the foremost astronomical observatory in France. Located in Paris, this institution has been at the forefront of astronomical research for centuries. Bigourdan's work at this prestigious observatory allowed him to contribute to the advancement of astronomical knowledge during a period of significant scientific development.

### Affiliation with Toulouse Observatory
In addition to his work at the Paris Observatory, Bigourdan was also affiliated with the Toulouse Observatory. This connection to multiple observatories demonstrates the breadth of his astronomical work and his influence across different institutions in France.

### Recognition and Awards
Bigourdan's contributions to astronomy were widely recognized by his peers and the scientific community. He received the Lalande Prize, which has been awarded since 1802 by the French Academy of Sciences for scientific advances in astronomy. This prize recognizes significant contributions to the field and highlights Bigourdan's impact on astronomical research.

He was also awarded the Gold Medal of the Royal Astronomical Society, one of the highest honors in the field of astronomy. This award, which has been given since 1824, is presented for outstanding achievements in astronomy and geophysics, further cementing Bigourdan's status as a significant figure in the field.

Additionally, Bigourdan received the Prix Jules Janssen, a French astronomy award established in 1897. This award specifically recognizes contributions to astronomy and demonstrates the national recognition of Bigourdan's work within France.

### Legacy and Impact
Guillaume Bigourdan's career spanned from the mid-19th century to the early 20th century, a period that saw tremendous advancements in astronomical observation and theory. His work at the Paris Observatory, one of the world's oldest and most important astronomical institutions, placed him at the center of these developments. The multiple prestigious awards he received from both French and international organizations underscore the significance and breadth of his contributions to the field of astronomy.

## References

1. MacTutor History of Mathematics archive
2. BnF authorities
3. Integrated Authority File
4. [French Academy of Sciences](https://www.academie-sciences.fr/archivage_site/academie/membre/)
5. [Source](http://adsabs.harvard.edu/full/1932PA.....40..314P)
6. [Source](https://www.ladepeche.fr/article/2014/09/22/1956316-guillaume-bigourdan-un-astronome-a-redecouvrir.html)
7. [Paris-Soir](http://gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/bpt6k7639592f/f3)
8. Léonore database
9. International Standard Name Identifier
10. SNAC
11. Roglo
12. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
13. Virtual International Authority File
14. [Source](http://digitale.beic.it/primo_library/libweb/action/search.do?fn=search&vid=BEIC&vl%283134987UI0%29=creator&vl%28freeText0%29=Bigourdan%20Guillaume)
15. La France savante
16. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File