April 28th Birthdays
Not sure if anyone else listens to 365 days of Astronomy Podcasts, but in today's episode it mentions that the three following astronomers who though no longer with us, have left an impact with us and share today, as their common birthday. Jan Hendrik Oort developed the theory that a cloud of ice and other material existed on the edge of solar system. I believe it is called the Oort Cloud. Bart Jan Bok who spent his time on the shape of our galaxy and found Bok globules where gravity is forcing the gas to condense and form new stars. Eugene Merle Shoemaker who did something with comets and impacts on planetary bodies. As a note, though Mr. Shoemaker passed away in 1997 and as the podcast states: "On July 31, 1999, some of his ashes were carried to the Moon by the Lunar Prospector space probe. To date, he is the only person to have been buried on the Moon. The brass foil wrapping of Dr. Shoemaker's memorial capsule is inscribed with images of Comet Hale-Bopp, the Barringer Meteor Crater, and a quotation from Romeo and Juliet reading: "And, when he shall die Take him and cut him out in little stars And he will make the face of heaven so fine That all the world will be in love with night And pay no worship to the garish sun." So to those 3 great men of science and to anyone else sharing this day as a b-day, Happy Birthday! Just thought it was interesting to share. Jay
Bok was also professor and advisor to many of today's leading astronomers, when they were doing their graduate work. He started many on their own career and research paths and through them, continues to influence the field to this day and beyond. Truly, teachers touch the future. On Tue, Apr 28, 2009 at 9:21 AM, Jay Eads <jayleads@gmail.com> wrote:
Bart Jan Bok who spent his time on the shape of our galaxy and found Bok globules where gravity is forcing the gas to condense and form new stars.
participants (2)
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Chuck Hards -
Jay Eads