The astronomer

Edwin Hubble, the son of Virginia and John Hubble, was born at Marshfield, Missouri, USA, on 20 November 1889. His early interest in astronomy was indicated by the fact that, when just 12 years of age, his article about the planet Mars was published in a local paper! The family moved to Wheaton, Illinois, where his father, an insurance executive, had an office. Edwin went to Wheaton High School where not only did he do well at his academic studies but also excelled at athletics and football. (He held the Illinois High School high jump record for some time.) Following his graduation from Wheaton, he was awarded a scholarship to the University of Chicago, where he studied physics, astronomy and mathematics.

Hubble arrived at the university during the fall of 1906 and, with his height of 6 feet 1 inch (1.85 m) and fine physique, soon became a star of the gymnasium, track and sports field. In his third year he played in 6 out the 12 basketball games that brought Chicago the national universities title (Figure 19.1). He graduated in March 1910, having been vice president of his class.