Christian Mayer (astronomer)

Christian Mayer (20 August 1719 Mederitz – 16 April 1783 in Mannheim) was a Moravian-German Catholic priest, astronomer and teacher.

He became educated in Greek, Latin, mathematics, philosophy, and theology, although his place of studies is unknown.

In his early twenties he decided to become a Jesuit, a path which caused him to leave his home due to the disapproval of his father.

In 1769 he was invited to St. Petersburg to observe the transit of Venus, which he did together with Anders Johan Lexell.

In 1773, the Jesuit order was dissolved by Pope Clement XIV, and consequently he was removed as Court Astronomer.