Johann Hommel (also Johannes Homelius, Hummelius, Homilius, Hummel; 2 February 1518 in Memmingen – 4 July 1562 in Leipzig) was a German astronomer and mathematician.

Work edit

Hommel was appointed professor of mathematics at the University of Leipzig in 1551.

In 1552 or 1553, Richard Cantzlar introduced transversal dot lines in graduations. It was a variant of the zigzag line system introduced by Hommel. Tycho Brahe obtained the zigzag line system from Hommel.

The lunar crater Hommel is named after him.

Sources edit

  • Johann Daniel Schulze, Abriß einer Geschichte der Leipziger Universität, Hinrichs, 1810, p. 48.
  • Kevin Krisciunas (1999), "Observatories"
  • Torsten Woitkowitz: Der Landvermesser, Kartograph, Astronom und Mechaniker Johannes Humelius (1518–1562) und die Leipziger Universität um die Mitte des 16. Jahrhunderts, in: Sudhoffs Archiv 92 (2008), S. 65–97.
  • Marion Gindhart and Alexander Hubert: Art. „Mathematische Wissenschaften (CamLex)“, in: Opera Camerarii Online, http://wiki.camerarius.de/Mathematische_Wissenschaften_(CamLex), section „Camerarius und Johann Hommel“.

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