James A. Van Allen, Discoverer of Earth-Circling Radiation Belts, Is Dead at 91
James A. Van Allen, the physicist who made the first major scientific discovery of the early space age, the Earth-circling radiation belts that bear his name, and sent spacecraft instruments to observe the outer reaches of the solar system, died yesterday in Iowa City. He was 91.The cause was heart failure, family members said. Dr. Van Allen was a longtime professor of physics and astronomy at the University of Iowa, and, with the discovery of the Van Allen belts of intense radiation surrounding Earth, he became a leading figure in the new field of magnetospheric physics, which grew in importance as spacecraft began exploring the planets.
A legendary lecturer and an inspiration to several generations of budding physicists and astronomers, Dr. Van Allen continued to show up at his office-laboratory until a month or so before he died.
Phil has a bit more over at the Bad Astronomy blog. Though it's far outside my own field, it's certainly a sad day for science here in Iowa City.
Comments
Are there any special observances planned, such as launching his ashes into the van Allen belts? With good dispersal, that would probably make for a nice aurora.
Posted by: somnilista, FCD | August 10, 2006 3:41 PM
They only mention a bit about funeral arrangements in the article on the University page, here. They also have a tribute page set up.
Posted by: Tara C. Smith | August 10, 2006 3:46 PM