James Gilbert Baker

James Gilbert Baker (November 11, 1914 – June 29, 2005) was an American astronomer and designer of optics systems. He was born in Louisville, Kentucky to Jesse B. Baker and Hattie M. Stallard, the fourth child of that couple. He attended Louisville duPont Manual High School then majored in mathematics at the University of Louisville. During his time at the university he became interested in astronomy and grinding his own mirrors. In 1931 he helped to form the Louisville Astronomical Society. He graduated with a B.A. in 1935. He met his future wife, Elizabeth Katherine Breitenstein, while at the university. Pursuing his interest in astronomy, he studied at the Harvard College Observatory. He earned his M.A. in 1936, gained an appointment...