Walter Frederick Gale

Walter Frederick Gale ( born November 27, 1865 in Paddington (New South Wales), † June 1, 1945 in Waverly (New South Wales)) was an Australian banker and astronomer.

Gales banking career began in 1888 at the Savings Bank of New South Wales. In 1897, he was an accountant and manager from 1914. After his retirement in 1925, he was manager of Hoskins Investments Ltd. until 1938.

Gales interest in astronomy was awakened by his father in 1882 and solidified with the appearance of the great comet. He built his first telescope in 1884 with a 18 -centimeter mirror. He was elected as Felllow of the Royal Astronomical Society in London and visited Chile and the United States. After his return to Australia he founded in New South Wales branch of the British Astronomical Association and local was for many years its secretary and president.

Gale discovered seven comets, including periodic 34D/Gale. After Gale comets were also named 1894 II and 1912 II. He also discovered some double stars. In 1892 he described as part of its Mars observation oases and canals of Mars.

Gale died during a nightly observation of a heart attack at the age of 79 years.

After the Mars Gale crater was named in the 2012 Mars rover Curiosity has landed.

Awards

• Thomas Donovan Trust twice
• 1935 Jackson - Gwilt Medal of the Royal Astronomical Society ( for the discovery of comets and his work for astronomy) in New South Wales