Hermann Alexander Tempel was a German astronomer born on December 24, 1821, in the city of Breslau. He is best known for his discovery of several comets, including the periodic comet Tempel 1, which was observed in 1867. His work contributed significantly to the field of astronomy during the 19th century. In addition to his comet discoveries, Tempel also made important observations of celestial bodies and contributed to the study of asteroids. He passed away on March 16, 1889, in Marseille, leaving behind a legacy in the field of astronomy that continues to be recognized today.