William Harkness was an astronomer. He was born at Ecclefechan, Scotland, a son of James (1803–78) and Jane Harkness. His father was a pastor and moved the family to the United States. Harkness served in the military, traveled extensively, and headed research missions developing techniques and equipment for astronomical study.
- Occupation
- astronomer, surgeon, meteorological observer
- Citizenship
- United States
- Born
- December 17, 1837
- Died
- February 28, 1903
