Herman Westerhout was a notable Dutch astronomer born in 1828. He is best known for his work in the field of astronomy, particularly for his studies of the planet Mars. Westerhout contributed to the understanding of Martian features and was involved in mapping the planet's surface. In addition to his research on Mars, Westerhout also made significant contributions to the study of nebulae and star formation. His work helped lay the groundwork for future astronomers and enhanced the scientific community's knowledge of celestial objects. He passed away in 1888, leaving a lasting legacy in astronomy.