Grigori Kuzmin and astronomy in Estonia. Jaan Einasto 18 April 2017

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1 Grigori Kuzmin and astronomy in Estonia Jaan Einasto 18 April 2017

2 Overview! Astronomy in the Tartu University in the 1st half of 20th century! Tartu Observatory as institute of the Estonian Academy of Sciences Aksel Kipper! Grigori Kuzmin as student of Ernst Öpik - scientist, teacher and editor! Grigori Kuzmin - father and grandfather 2

3 2017 jubilee year for Estonian astronomy! 180 years from publication of F.G.W. Struve Mensurae Micrometricae with 1 st measurement of stellar parallax (1837)! 110 years from the birth of A. Kipper (1907)! 100 years from the birth of G. Kuzmin (1917)! 95 years from the publication of E. Öpik s estimation of the distance to M31 and demonstration of the extragalactic nature of spiral nebulae (1922)! 65 years from the publication of Kuzmin s major papers on the density of matter in the Galactic plane and Galactic model (1952)! 60 years from the begin of building the new observatory (1957)! 45 years from the 1st international report on the presence of dark matter coronas around galaxies (Athens 1972)! 40 years from the IAU Symposium on Large-Scale Structure of the Universe (Tallinn 1977) 3

4 There were almost no professional Estonian scientists available when Tartu University was reopened in 1919 as an Estonian University. Director Prof. T. Rootsmäe ( ) former high-school teacher. Formation of Estonian terminology in astronomy. Stellar kinematics in relation to the evolution of stars and the Galaxy. Results published in Estonian ( ) and Russian (1961), conclusions similar to Eggen, Lynden-Bell & Sandage (1962).

5 Ernst Öpik ( ) Returned 1921 from Russia, scientific experience from Moscow and Tashkent Universities Observer in Tartu Observatory Astronomer in Hamburg, Armagh and Maryland Universities ( ) Distance to the Andromeda nebula and extragalactic nature of spiral nebulae (1922) 5 Structure and evolution of stars ( )

6 Astronomy in post-wwii Estonia In 1944 many scientists left Estonia to avoid Soviet occupation, among them Ernst Öpik. His students V. Riives and G. Kuzmin remained. As a result the continuity of scientific study was possible. In 1946 the Estonian Academy of Sciences was reopened, and a number of institutes formed. In 1950 on the basis of the Astronomical and Meteorological Observatories and a group of young physicists from Tartu University the Institute of Physics and Astronomy of the Academy was formed. Prof. A. Kipper was nominated the director of the new Institute. Kipper suggested to built a new observatory outside Tartu where conditions for observations are better. To get support from authorities a conference was organised in May 1953, where leading Soviet astronomers participated. 6

7 Ambartsumjan Tartu astronoomidega 1948

8 Participants of the 1953 conference

9 G. Kuzmin presenting his results on modelling the Galaxy, the local matter density, and 3 rd integral on motion in the 1953 conference. Leading Soviet astronomers understood that in Tartu Observatory the astronomical studies are in top level, and give support to plans of building the new observatory.

10 In summer 1953 possible locations of the new observatory around Tartu were searched. Here A. Kipper, H. Keres and V. Riives are overlooking selected sites. For a new site a flat hill near the village Tõravere was selected. The building work started in 1957, first astronomers moved to new observatory in 1961.

11 Main building of the new observatory

12 Kosmoloogia suvekool pooleli peahoones 1962

13 A. Kipper avab konverentsi observatooriumi avamisel 1964

14 The observatory was opened with a conference in 1964 under the motto Science is carried by search for truth that is as sincere and honest as Nature itself (T. Rootsmäe)

15 Grigori Kuzmin Born April 8, 1917 in Vyborg, Finland 1924 emigrated to Tallinn, Estonia 1935 graduated High-School in Tallinn 1940 graduated cum laude Tartu University 1938 publication of 1 st papers 1940 assistant in Tartu Observatory 1942 master thesis 1952 PhD thesis head, department of galactic studies 1961 member of Estonian Academy of Sciences 1970 Doctor of sciences 1971 Bredichin Prize, Professor IAU Commission 33 vice-president & president 1982 Professor-emeritus 1988, April 22 deceased 15

16 Kuzmin

17 Sergei Kutuzov, Grigori Kuzmin, Jaan Einasto 17

18 Sergei Kutuzov, Ulo-Ilmar Veltmann, Grigori Kuzmin 18

19 Kuzmin with A, B, C 19

20 Observatooriumi juhtkond 1970

21 Kuzmin as student of Öpik To solve a problem: 1. estimate the role of all factors and find the most important one; 2. find approximate solution using the most important factor; 3. find next approximations to select important factors and eliminate factors of minor importance; 4. find a more exact solution including only important factors. 21

22 G Kuzmin as a teacher As University professor Kuzmin hold lectures on several astronomical and geophysical disciplines. His lectures on stellar dynamics were very original and inspiring. Kuzmins students followed his major activities in practical stellar dynamics directed to the determination of Galactic parameters and models (JE, H. Eelsalu, M. Jõeveer) and theoretical studies (S. Kutuzov, Ü.-I. Veltmann, G. Malasidze). A major activity of GK was editing of Tartu Publications. He often suggested major revisions of papers, concerning both scientific content and style. Often his suggestions were fundamental and changed the original paper substantially, so he could be a coauthor of many published papers. In this way he was a teacher for almost all Tartu post-wwii astronomers. 22

23 Grigori, Papa, Zoja 23

24 Grigori and Zoja with grandchild 24

25 Summary! Taavet Rootsmäe started astronomical teaching in Estonian Tartu University! Ernst Öpik founded the style of astrophysical research in Estonia! Aksel Kipper initiated the building of the new observatory outside Tartu, creating basis for the development of modern astronomy in Estonia! Grigori Kuzmin developed the foundation of stellar dynamics and brought Ernst Öpik s traditions & style of study to new generation of astronomers 25

26 Thank you!