The phrase "century astronomers" refers to scientists who studied and observed celestial objects, such as stars and planets, many years ago, typically in the 1900s. Full definition
They cite as inspiration Galileo Galilei, the 17th century astronomer and father of modern science, who challenged the dogma of the Roman Catholic Church to report the Earth orbited around the sun. (scientificamerican.com)
Named for famed 18th century astronomer William Herschel, the space telescope was the most powerful infrared observatory ever launched to space until it stopped functioning this week. (scientificamerican.com)
The misleading name was coined by the 18th century astronomer William Herschel, who, having just discovered Uranus, thought the objects resembled gas giants. (ibtimes.com)