Richard Christopher Carrington: Briefly Among the Great Scientists of His Time

We recount the life and career of Richard Christopher Carrington (1826??C?1875) and explore his pivotal relationship with Astronomer Royal George Biddell Airy. Carrington was the pre-eminent solar astronomer of the 19th century. During a ten year span, he determined the position of the Sun??s rotation axis and made the following discoveries: i)?the latitude variation of sunspots over the solar cycle, ii)?the Sun??s differential rotation, and iii)?the first solar flare (with Hodgson). Due to the combined effects of family responsibilities, failure to secure a funded position in astronomy (reflecting Airy??s influence), and ill health, Carrington??s productive period ended when he was at the peak of his powers.