Born in 1288 in Bagnols-sur-Cèze, the astronomer worked in Orange and Avignon. With his invention of Jacob’s stick, Levi Ben Gerson, known as “Gersonide”, was one of the precursors of trigonometry in the observation of the sky.
The Rhodanian Gard often rhymes with science. Today, between the CEA of Marcoule or Orano, the territory is a hub in the nuclear sector. But the relationship between the north of the Gard and the scientific world is not new. From the 14th century, a Bagnolais scientist marked history: Levi Ben Gerson.
Nicknamed Gersonide, this pioneer of the observation of the sky and the eclipses worked between Orange and Avignon from the beginning of the 1300s until his death in 1344. Passionate and ingenious, he developed a tool that will date: the Bâton de Jacob. This instrument, composed of two side bars, makes it possible to measure the distance between two stars. “”It was a revolutionary and extremely precise tool thanks to its eye measurementexplains Jean-Michel Faidit, lecturer and author of the Book these French in the Moon. It is one of the precursors of trigonometry. “
Its name attributed to one of the craters of the moon
From 1320, almost three centuries before Galileo, Gersonide observes and describes several eclipses, including a total in 1321. But exploring the sky was not his only occupation. The Bagnolais was also a prolific author, publishing remarkable works. “”He was a scientist recognized by his peerssays Jean-Michel Faidit. He was very ahead of his time.”
Its work and its impact on astronomy have marked the beginnings of spatial observation. His influence earned him to be immortalized in the sky. A lunar crater today bears his name. Rare privilege shared by only 166 other French scientists. “”Today, Levi Ben Gerson is a little forgottendeplores the writer. But having your name on the moon remains a huge privilege. With equipment, you can easily see your crater from earth.“
