Roger Joseph Boscovich

Roger Joseph Boscovich (1711–1787) was a physicist, astronomer, mathematician, philosopher, diplomat, poet, theologian, Jesuit priest, and polymath from the Republic of Ragusa. He lived and worked in Italy and France, where he published many of his influential works.

Boscovich is celebrated for formulating a precursor to atomic theory and for his many contributions to astronomy. He developed the first geometric procedure for determining the equator of a rotating planet from three surface observations, and he also devised a method for calculating the orbit of a planet based on three positional observations. In 1753, he discovered the absence of an atmosphere on the Moon.

In recognition of his scientific achievements, his portrait appeared on Croatian currency, the 100,000 Dinar note.