Nicolas Louis de Lacaille
Nicolas Louis de Lacaille was an 18th-century French astronomer known for his significant contributions to the field of astronomy. Born on March 15, 1713, in France, he is best remembered for creating detailed star catalogs and mapping the southern hemisphere's stars, which were largely unexplored at the time. His work helped lay the foundation for modern astronomy.
Lacaille also introduced several constellations, including Lacaille's 24 Feathers, which are still recognized today. He conducted extensive observations from the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa, where he spent several years studying the night sky. He passed away on March 16, 1762, leaving a lasting legacy in the scientific community.