Michael Florent van Langren

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Michael Florent van Langren , called Langrenus , (* 1598 probably in Amsterdam ; † 1675 in Brussels ) was a mathematician, astronomer, engineer and cosmographer.

He was born the son of the Dutch cartographer Arnold van Langren. His family emigrated for religious reasons. He did not go through a university education. Nevertheless, he became a royal cosmographer and mathematician at the Spanish court.

In 1645 he published the first printed moon map, the Plenilunium , on which the visible objects were given names. He also used the term Mare or Oceanus for the dark spots .

Langrenus crater on the moon is named after him.

He observed the comet from 1652 and published his observations. As a cartographer he made some maps of the Spanish Netherlands.

Most often was active as an engineer. He prepared plans for ports in Dunkirk and Ostend . He developed a plan for cleaning the canals of Antwerp and measures to protect Brussels from flooding. He also planned canals between Brussels and other parts of the Spanish Netherlands. As an engineer in the service of the army, he worked on the fortifications of Brussels and designed a three-barreled cannon. However, only a few of his designs were realized.

Statistical graphic: Distances between the prime meridian (then Toledo ) and Rome according to various calculations

Langren is considered to be one of the first information scientists . In 1644 he probably presented the first statistical graphic to the king at the Spanish court. This showed the very different results of determining the longitude of Rome (the prime meridian then ran through Toledo ).

literature

  • Krogt, Peter van der: The «Plenilunium» of Michael Florent van Langren. The first moon card with name entries. In: Cartographica Helvetica Heft 11 (1995) pp. 44–49 full text