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Clark, Alvan (1804–1887)| US astronomer. He was the founder of Alvan Clark & Sons, makers of optical lenses for telescopes, some of unsurpassed quality. His company represented the first significant American contribution to astronomical instrument making. They tested the lenses themselves, seeking difficult-to-find double stars. |
| He was born in Ashfield, Massachusetts. He was a moderately successful portrait painter and engraver. His sons George Bassett Clark (1827–91; b. Lowell, Massachusetts), and Alvan Graham Clark (1832–97; b. Fall River, Mass) helped found and run his business. In 1862, Alvan Graham won the Lalande Prize for discovering the companion of Sirius. |
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