Flammarion, << `flah mah` RYAWN, >> Camille (1842-1925), was one of the most imaginative and colorful writers of science books. He greatly influenced the young people of many countries, and turned their interest to astronomy . His most famous work, Popular Astronomy (1877), became a best seller.
Flammarion was born in Montigny-le-Roi, France, and lived in or near Paris throughout his life. The poverty of his parents forced him to seek work as an engraver. He became interested in astronomy, and in 1883 founded an observatory near Paris. There he studied the moon , Mars , and double stars . Later in life, he turned to more controversial work on psychical research .
See also Alien life .
