Gauss, Carl Friedrich

German mathematician who worked on the theory of numbers, non-Euclidean geometry, and the mathematical development of electric and magnetic theory. A method of neutralizing a magnetic field, used to protect ships from magnetic mines, is called ‘degaussing’.

In statistics, the normal distribution curve, which he studied, is sometimes known as the Gaussian distribution. Between 1800 and 1810 Gauss concentrated on astronomy. He developed a quick method for calculating an asteroid's orbit from only three observations and published this work – a classic in astronomy – 1809.