About Olof Hiorter
Lived 1696 – 1750 (aged 53–54). Olof Hiorter was a Swedish astronomer.
Olof Petrus (or Peter) Hiorter (or Hjorter) (1696–1750) was a Swedish astronomer. After studying in the Netherlands, he was appointed lecturer at the University of Uppsala in 1732 to fill the vacant position of Anders Celsius then on his grand tour of European observatories. From 1737 onwards, he studied together with Celsius the aurora phenomenon and a number of astronomy subjects (solar eclipse, comet like the one of 1744, latitude measurements). Hiorter was the first to connect the aurora to magnetic disturbances. Pehr Wilhelm Wargentin was his pupil.
Hiorter was elected a member of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences in 1745 and appointed Observator Regius - "Royal Astronomer" in 1747.
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Frequently asked questions
Who was Olof Hiorter?
Swedish astronomer
When was Olof Hiorter born?
Olof Hiorter was born in 1696 in Rödön.
When did Olof Hiorter die?
Olof Hiorter died on 25 April 1750 in Uppsala.
What was Olof Hiorter's occupation?
Olof Hiorter was an astronomer.
What nationality was Olof Hiorter?
Olof Hiorter was Swedish.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Olof Hiorter. https://biography.guide/olof-hiorter/
MLA: "Olof Hiorter." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/olof-hiorter/.
Chicago: "Olof Hiorter." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/olof-hiorter/.
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