Yrjö Väisälä
Finnish astronomer (1891–1971) / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Yrjö Väisälä (Finnish: [ˈyrjø ˈʋæi̯sælæ] ⓘ; 6 September 1891[lower-alpha 1] – 21 July 1971) was a Finnish astronomer and physicist.[1]
Yrjö Väisälä | |
---|---|
Born | (1891-09-06)6 September 1891[lower-alpha 1] |
Died | 21 July 1971(1971-07-21) (aged 79) |
Nationality | Finnish |
Scientific career | |
Fields | astronomy, physics |
His main contributions were in the field of optics. He was also active in geodetics, astronomy and optical metrology. He had an affectionate nickname of Wizard of Tuorla (Observatory/Optics laboratory), and a book with the same title in Finnish describes his works. His discoveries include 128 minor planets and 3 comets.[2][1]
His brothers were mathematician Kalle Väisälä (1893–1968) and meteorologist Vilho Väisälä (1889–1969). His daughter Marja Väisälä (1916–2011) was an astronomer and discoverer of minor planets.
Väisälä was a fervent supporter of Esperanto, presiding over the Internacia Scienca Asocio Esperantista ("International Association of Esperanto Scientists") in 1968.[3]