J.F. Skjellerup: a forgotten name in South African cometary astronomy

Abstract

South African-based astronomers have a proud record of cometary discovery, and one name that stands out is J.F. Skjellerup. Although Skjellerup is best-known for of his association with that famous periodic comet, 26P/Grigg-Skjellerup, he made a number of other discoveries, and carried out regular observations of known comets. He was also a gifted variable star observer, and played a key role in the early development of Cape Town's first astronomical society. For a decade prior to his return to Australia in 1923, Skjellerup made a short but valuable contribution to South African astronomy.