Barnaba Oriani
| Barnaba Oriani | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born |
July 17, 1752 Garegnano, Milan |
| Died | November 12, 1832 (aged 80) |
| Nationality | Italian |
| Fields | astronomy |
Barnaba Oriani (July 17, 1752 – November 12, 1832) was an Italian priest, geodesist, astronomer and scientist.
Oriani was born in Garegnano (now part of Milan), the son of a mason, and died in Milan.
After getting his elementary education in Garegnano, he went on to study at the College of San Alessandro in Milan, under the tutelage and with the support of the Order of Barnabus, which he later joined. After completing his studies in the humanities, physical and mathematical sciences, philosophy, and theology, he was ordained as a priest in 1775.
When Napoleon I established the Republic of Lombardy, Oriani refused to swear an oath against the monarchy, and the new republican government modified the oath of allegiance on his behalf. He was retained in his position at the observatory and was made president of the commission appointed to regulate the new system of weights and measures.
When the republic became a Napoleonic kingdom, Oriani was awarded the Iron Crown and the Legion of Honour, was made a count and senator, and was appointed to measure the arc of the meridian between the zeniths of Rimini and Rome.
Oriani was a devoted friend of the Theatine monk, Giuseppe Piazzi, the discoverer of Ceres. Oriani and Piazzi worked together for thirty-seven years, cooperating on many astronomical observations.
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