Email: Survey Officer
Astronomers
Craig, S. Runsie [Rev.; FRAS] (1844-1923), born Armagh, ordained as a minister he was rector of Molville, Co, Donegal for 30 years. Here he erected an observatory to observe Mars and the Moon with a 4-inch refractor. Active in the BAA, he was elected a fellow of the RAS in 1890. He later moved to Londonderry before retiring due to ill-health to Upper Norwood, London (Obit., MNRAS, 83 (1924), 213; Stroobant 1907, 129).
Mason, Charles (1728–1786), observed the Transit of Venus 3rd June 1769 from Cavan near Lifford and Strabane, along with many other astronomical observations between April and October that year. (Phil. Trans., 60 (1770), 454-496; ODNB).
Mudge, William (1796-1837) [Commander; FRAS], son of Major-General William Mudge, he became a Lieutenant in the Royal Navy in 1815. He surveyed the East coast of Africa under Capt. W.F. Owen and later did similar off Irish shores. Mudge also undertook archaeological excavation in Donegal while working in Ireland when he died. He joined the Astronomical Society of London in 1827 (Phillipps 2023).
Survey of Astronomical History 