Father Francesco de Vico (1805 – 1848) was an Italian astronomer at Vatican Observatory, and also a Jesuit.
He discovered or co-discovered a number of comets, including periodic comets 54P/de Vico-Swift-NEAT and 122P/de Vico . He also independently discovered the comet (C/1847 T1 ) that brought fame to Maria Mitchell, two days after she did.
He also made observations of Saturn and the gaps in its rings, and unsuccessfully attempted to determine the rotation period of Venus.
He found a remarkable number of comets in a relatively short time, and began an ambitious project to compile an atlas of stars down to 11th magnitude. However, the Revolutions of 1848 in the Italian states cut short his observing career, as he was forced into exile, touring Paris, London, and the United States, where he was received by the President. He was pleased with his reception in the US and wished to settle there at Georgetown College, but first returned to Europe to try to recruit some colleagues to join him. Unfortunately, worn out from the travel, he died in London in November of that same year.
Obituary
Last updated: 08-19-2005 04:16:06
