# Herschel's Discovery: From Musician to Cosmic Explorer
Published: December 31, 2025
Duration: 1:53
# This is your Astronomy Tonight podcast.
Welcome, stargazers! Today we're celebrating one of the most momentous occasions in astronomical history—the birth of the greatest celestial detective who ever lived: Sir William Herschel, born on December 31st, 1738!
Now, you might be thinking, "A musician-turned-astronomer? Sounds like a career change," and you'd be absolutely right! Herschel started his life as a German-born composer and oboe player in Bath, England, but something about the night sky captured his imagination far more than any symphony ever could. And boy, did the universe strike gold with this career pivot.
Welcome, stargazers! Today we're celebrating one of the most momentous occasions in astronomical history—the birth of the greatest celestial detective who ever lived: Sir William Herschel, born on December 31st, 1738!
Now, you might be thinking, "A musician-turned-astronomer? Sounds like a career change," and you'd be absolutely right! Herschel started his life as a German-born composer and oboe player in Bath, England, but something about the night sky captured his imagination far more than any symphony ever could. And boy, did the universe strike gold with this career pivot.