Theodor von Schubert


Friedrich Theodor von Schubert was a German astronomer and geographer. Born in Helmstedt, his father, Johann Ernst Schubert, was a professor of theology and abbot of Michaelstein Abbey. Theodor likewise studied theology, but didn't like it. He traveled abroad, first to Sweden in 1779. He then went to Bartelshagen, where he became the tutor of the children of Major von Cronhelm. Since the major was fond of mathematics and astronomy, Theodor had to study these himself to be able to teach those subjects. He then married the daughter of the major, Luise Friederike von Cronhelm. Afterwards, he traveled to Tallinn in Estonia, again as a house teacher. He moved on to Haapsalu, teaching mathematics to young noblemen as a preparation for a life as an officer. In 1785 he became an assistant of the Russian Academy of Sciences as a geographer, and by June 1789 he was a full member. In 1803, he became head of the astronomical observatory of the Academy. In 1805, he was a member of the failed Russian expedition to China, together with his son. He was elected a Foreign Honorary Member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 1812.
He not only produced some scientific works, but also popularized astronomy. Between 1788 and 1825, he published the St. Petersburger Kalender, and between 1808 and 1818 the St. Petersburger astronomischen Taschenkalender. He also wrote for the newspapers and for the German language St. Petersburger Zeitung, which he edited from 1810 until his death.
His son Friedrich von Schubert was a general in the Russian army and explorer.
The lunar crater Schubert is named after him.