Russell W. Porter

Russell Williams Porter ( born December 13, 1871 in Springfield, Vermont, † February 22, 1949 ) was an American Polar explorer, artist and amateur astronomer.

He is often referred to as the founder of the movement of the amateur telescope maker. Among other things, he founded in 1926 the Association of Amateur Telescope Makers in Springfield in the U.S. state of Vermont.

After he had already designed many amateur telescopes, Russell W. Porter was commissioned to assist in the design of the 200 -inch telescope on Mount Palomar Observatory. Later, he also worked on the planning of the Griffith Observatory as an advisory staff for the team of architects.

The lunar crater Porter was named after him. There is also the crater Porter on Mars, which was named after him.