Origins & Early Life

George Ellery Hale (June 29, 1868 – February 21, 1938) was an American astrophysicist best known for his discovery of magnetic fields in sunspots. He was also a key figure in the planning and construction of several world-leading telescopes: the 40-inch refracting telescope at Yerkes Observatory; the 60-inch Hale and 100-inch Hooker reflecting telescopes, both at Mount Wilson Observatory; and the 200-inch Hale reflecting telescope at Palomar Observatory. He played a key role in the foundation of the International Union for Cooperation in Solar Research and the National Research Council, and in developing the California Institute of Technology into a leading research university. George Ellery Hale was born on June 29, 1868, in Chicago, Illinois, to William Ellery Hale and Mary Browne.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

He is descended from Thomas Hale of Watton-on-Stone, Hertfordshire, England, whose son emigrated to America about 1640. His father acquired a considerable fortune manufacturing and installing passenger elevators during the reconstruction of Chicago, which had been destroyed in the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. The oldest of three children who lived past childhood, George received...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Adah Isaacs Menken — Contemporary (Died in 1868) (1868): American actress, painter, and poet known for sensational stage performances.
• Arnold Sommerfeld — Contemporary (Born in 1868) (1868): Pioneering theoretical physicist known for quantum and atomic structure models.
• Benjamin Guinness — Contemporary (Died in 1868) (1868): Anglo-Irish brewer and philanthropist who significantly expanded the Guinness brewing empire.
• Alan Bond — Contemporary (Born in 1938) (1938): Australian businessman known for high-profile dealings, the America's Cup, and founding Bond University.
• Albert Fert — Contemporary (Born in 1938) (1938): Pioneering physicist known for the discovery of giant magnetoresistance.
• Anthony Leggett — Contemporary (Born in 1938) (1938): Pioneering theoretical physicist known for work on superfluidity and low-temperature quantum systems.
• Alan Arkin — Shared historical date (06-29 · Died) (2023): Esteemed American actor, filmmaker, and musician with a seven-decade career.
• Anton Raphael Mengs — Shared historical date (06-29 · Died) (1779): Pioneering Czech-Born German Neoclassical painter of Danish descent.
• Ahmad ibn Ibrahim al-Ghazi — Shared historical date (02-21 · Died) (1543): Imam and General of the Adal Sultanate, known for conquering Abyssinia.
• Alan Rickman — Shared historical date (02-21 · Born) (1946): Iconic English actor celebrated for his distinctive voice and powerful stage presence.
• 1868 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1868
• June 29 (06-29) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on June 29
• 1938 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1938
• February 21 (02-21) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on February 21