Heinrich Wilhelm Matthäus Olbers (October 11, 1758 – March 2, 1840) was a German astronomer, physician and physicist. Olbers' paradox is named after him, and so is asteroid 1002 Olbersia .
In 1802, Olbers discovered (and named) the asteroid Pallas.
In 1807 he discovered the asteroid Vesta, which he allowed Gauss to name.
On March 6 1815, Olbers also discovered a periodic comet named after him (formally designated 13P/Olbers ). The asteroid 1002 Olbersia was named in his honour.
Last updated: 06-02-2005 10:28:28
