August Ferdinand Mobius
1790-1868

The German mathematician and astronomer August Ferdinand Mobius is best known for his work in topology, expecially for his conception of the one-sided figure now known as the Mobius strip.

He became professor of astronomy and higher mechanics at the University of Leipzig in 1816 and director of its observatory in 1848.

Mobius's mathematical publications, although not always original, were effective and clear presentations.

His 1827 work on analytical geometry became a classic. Mobius also wrote on celestial mechanics.