Attention: You are using an outdated browser, device or you do not have the latest version of JavaScript downloaded and so this website may not work as expected. Please download the latest software or switch device to avoid further issues.

News > Memories at Hymers > British astrophysicist and mathematician, Edward Arthur Milne, a former student at Hymers College

British astrophysicist and mathematician, Edward Arthur Milne, a former student at Hymers College

Edward Arthur Milne attended Hymers College from 1908 to 1914
Blue Plaque outside Hymers College Gates
Blue Plaque outside Hymers College Gates

Did you know that British astrophysicist and mathematician, Edward Arthur Milne, was a former student at Hymers College?

He was born in Hull in 1896 and started his education at Hymers College at the age of 12 years old in 1908.  He won an open scholarship in mathematics and natural science to study at Trinity College, Cambridge, where he gained the largest number of marks ever been awarded in an exam.

After serving as a lieutenant in the Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve during the First World War, his scientific and teaching career saw his work concerned with the theory of relativity and cosmology. However, his work on the interior structure of stars caused controversy.

Milne was President of the Royal Astronomical Society from 1943 to 1945, shortly after his research led him to offer an alternative to Albert Einstein's general relativity theory, with kinematic relativity.  He now has a crater on the Moon named after him.

During his career, Milne received many awards:

  • MBE (1918)
  • Smith's Prize (1922)
  • Gold Medal of the Royal Astronomical Society (1935)
  • Royal Society's Royal Medal (1941)
  • Bruce Medal (1945)

He now has a commemorative blue plaque attached to the main gates of Hymers College in his honour.

Similar stories

Hymers College attended the unveiling of the plaque that included Tom Potts (OH 1926-27) More...

Thank you to everyone who contributed to this year's Christmas Food Appeal More...

Jack's great niece contacted the Development Office to find out more about his time at Hym More...

The artwork of an Old Hymerian has been displayed in the Memorial Hall for Remembrance Day More...

Tony previously spoke to the school about his memories of being evacuated during WWII to M More...

Jenny studied at Hymers College from 1989 until 1999 before returning to work at Hymers Co More...

David Stark, OH 1971-79 shared a letter his family received during WWI More...

Why is it important to celebrate a Founder’s and Benefactors' Day? More...

Most read

Jack Latus, OH 1998-2007

The Latus Group are poised for a record year in 2025 More...

After completing an intercalation year, Srinidhi Krishnan, OH 2011-21 has spoken at the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women More...

Alumni gathered at All Bar One in the city centre on 5 March 2025 More...

Have your say

 
image

Address

Hymers College
Hymers Avenue
Hull
HU3 1LW
United Kingdom

Quick Links

Follow us on Social