Robert Stawell Ball is an Irish astronomer and mathematician. He was born on July 1, 1840, in Dublin, Ireland, and passed away on November 25, 1913, in Cambridge, England. He was a professor of applied mathematics and mechanics at the Royal College of Science in Dublin. Ball contributed significantly to astronomy and was known for his work in celestial mechanics, geometry, and applied mathematics.
Yemuna Bappu, the wife of Dr. M. K. Vainu Bappu, played a quiet yet deeply supportive role in his life and career. She is a native of Mahe.
Steven V. W. Beckwith is an American astronomer and astrophysicist best known for his leadership in space-based astronomy. He served as the Director of the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI), overseeing operations of the Hubble Space Telescope, including the planning and execution of the Hubble Ultra Deep Field - one of the deepest views of the universe ever captured. Beckwith's research interests span galaxy formation, starburst galaxies, and the early universe. He has held academic and administrative positions at leading institutions, including the University of California system, where he was Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies. Beckwith has made significant contributions to both observational astronomy and science policy.