William A. Bradfield
Bill Bradfield | |
|---|---|
| Born | 20 June 1927 |
| Died | 9 June 2014 (aged 86) |
| Nationality | New Zealand |
| Citizenship | Australian |
| Alma mater | University of New Zealand |
| Known for | discovering a record 18 comets |
| Spouse | Eileen |
| Children | Katherine, Caroline, and Jennifer |
| Awards | Member of the Order of Australia, Edgar Wilson Award |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Astronomy |
William Ashley Bradfield AM (20 June 1927 – 9 June 2014) was a New Zealand-born Australian amateur astronomer, notable as a prolific amateur discoverer of comets. He discovered 18 comets, all of which bear his name as the sole discoverer.
His astronomical achievements were summed up by Brian G. Marsden, director emeritus of the IAU's Central Bureau for Astronomical Telegrams: "To discover 18 comets visually is an extraordinary accomplishment in any era, but to do so now is truly remarkable, and I think we can be pretty sure nobody will be able to do it again. And it's all the more astounding that in no case did he have to share a discovery with some other independent discoverer. More than any other recipient, Bill Bradfield outstandingly deserves the Edgar Wilson Award."