Charles Olivier: The Father of Meteor Science

Charles Olivier and the Rise of Meteor Science (Springer Biographies)

by Ken Gerhard

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	12761 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	534 pages

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Charles Olivier was a pioneering astronomer whose work laid the foundation for the field of meteor science. He was the first to observe and record the paths of meteors, and he developed a system for classifying them. He also discovered several new meteor showers, including the Quadrantids and the Geminids.

Olivier's work was instrumental in the development of our understanding of meteors. He showed that meteors are not simply shooting stars, but are actually small pieces of debris from comets and asteroids. He also showed that meteors can be used to study the structure of the Earth's atmosphere.

Olivier's legacy lives on in the field of meteor science. The International Meteor Organization (IMO) uses his system for classifying meteors, and his discoveries have helped us to understand the nature of these celestial objects.

Early life and education

Olivier was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on February 16, 1886. He showed an early interest in astronomy, and he built his own telescope at the age of 12. He attended the University of Cincinnati, where he studied astronomy and mathematics.

After graduating from college, Olivier worked as a teacher and an astronomer at several different institutions. In 1925, he became the director of the Flower Observatory at the University of Pennsylvania. He held this position for 25 years, during which time he made many important contributions to the field of meteor science.

Career and research

Olivier's research focused on the observation and classification of meteors. He developed a system for classifying meteors based on their brightness, speed, and trajectory. He also discovered several new meteor showers, including the Quadrantids and the Geminids.

In addition to his work on meteors, Olivier also studied other astronomical objects, such as comets and asteroids. He was a member of the American Astronomical Society and the International Astronomical Union.

Awards and honors

Olivier received numerous awards and honors for his work in astronomy. He was awarded the Gold Medal of the Royal Astronomical Society in 1953, and he was elected a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 1957.

Legacy

Olivier's legacy lives on in the field of meteor science. The International Meteor Organization (IMO) uses his system for classifying meteors, and his discoveries have helped us to understand the nature of these celestial objects.

Olivier was a pioneer in the field of meteor science. His work laid the foundation for our understanding of these celestial objects, and his legacy continues to inspire astronomers today.

Charles Olivier and the Rise of Meteor Science (Springer Biographies)

The Springer biography of Charles Olivier provides a comprehensive overview of his life and work. The book is written by Donald K. Yeomans, a leading expert in meteor science. The book is well-researched and well-written, and it is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history of astronomy.

The book covers Olivier's early life and education, his career and research, and his awards and honors. The book also includes a number of photographs and illustrations.

The Springer biography of Charles Olivier is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of meteor science. The book is well-written and informative, and it provides a valuable overview of Olivier's life and work.

Charles Olivier was a pioneering astronomer whose work laid the foundation for the field of meteor science. He was the first to observe and record the paths of meteors, and he developed a system for classifying them. He also discovered several new meteor showers, including the Quadrantids and the Geminids.

Olivier's work was instrumental in the development of our understanding of meteors. He showed that meteors are not simply shooting stars, but are actually small pieces of debris from comets and asteroids. He also showed that meteors can be used to study the structure of the Earth's atmosphere.

Olivier's legacy lives on in the field of meteor science. The International Meteor Organization (IMO) uses his system for classifying meteors, and his discoveries have helped us to understand the nature of these celestial objects.

The Springer biography of Charles Olivier is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of meteor science. The book is well-written and informative, and it provides a valuable overview of Olivier's life and work.

Charles Olivier and the Rise of Meteor Science (Springer Biographies)

by Ken Gerhard

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	12761 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	534 pages

FREE