LASTING tribute is to be paid to a virtually-forgotten Wilsden ‘old boy’ who became a leading international astronomer.

A blue plaque is to be installed in the village paying homage to Alfred Fowler.

It will be placed at Moss Row, close to where he was born.

Also, a special science fair and talk are being held to honour his memory. The activities are being planned as the 150th anniversary of Mr Fowler’s birth approaches.

“His story is remarkable,” said village councillor Jane Callaghan, who has spearheaded the project for Wilsden Parish Council. He was a very eminent person in his day but is now almost forgotten, including here in Wilsden. But we want to put that right. We couldn’t establish the precise address where he was born, but we know it was at the bottom end of the village so the plaque – being financed through crowdfunding and which is being made now – will be placed there. ore people will now become aware of his incredible life. He’s someone Wilsden should be very proud of.”

Mr Fowler was born on March 22, 1868.

His father, Hiram, was a cotton warp dresser and his family moved to the Parkwood area of Keighley in about 1876.

Alfred attended Eastwood Board School and won a scholarship to the Keighley Trade and Grammar School. Aged just 14, he won a scholarship to the Normal School of Science in London.

He remained there until retirement – first as a student, later as assistant to pioneer spectroscopist Sir Norman Lockyer, and ultimately as professor of astrophysics. Alfred’s work concentrated on Lockyer theories about the evolution of stars from nebulae, and he became a master of spectroscopy. He found that sunspots are cooler than their surroundings.

He made six eclipse expeditions and was an expert at the photography and interpretation of the spectral bands.

In 1923, Alfred was appointed to the Royal Society under a new endowment from the Yarrow Foundation. His painstaking work on the identification and reproduction of celestial spectra and immense knowledge of the subject made him a world authority. He received a string of honours, including the CBE in 1935 – five years before his death.

It is hoped the blue plaque will be in position by the anniversary date of his birth. The celebratory science fair will take place at Trinity Church in Chapel Row, Wilsden, on a date to be confirmed. That evening, at 7pm in the same venue, there will be a free talk about Alfred Fowler by Mrs Callaghan.