Thread: Martin's
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Old August 26th 05, 07:19 AM
Charles Gilman
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It's probably just one of those random clusters that happens now and again.
There is a strong human tendency to see patterns, and astronomy has an
obvious appeal to those in whose it is strongest. For a while discoveries in
the outer Solar System were dominated by men called William (Herschel, then
Lassell and Bond, and finally Pickering). Similar patterns can be seen in
other fields. In politics, one might in retrospect infer that Margaret
Thatcher was determined to be succeeded by a John M., and not much bothered
whether the M. stood for Moore, MacGregor, Major, or (had she succeeded in
"going on and on") Maples, but more likely it was coincidence.

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Does any one know why so many astronomers (both amateurs &
professionals) are called Martin?!

Das