Earth Sciences and Astrophysics

Jan Hendrik Oort

The Netherlands / April 28, 1900-1992
Astronomer; Professor Emeritus, Leiden University

A leading researcher in astronomy and astrophysics, who elucidated the structure and dynamics of the Galaxy through radio observation of the 21cm hydrogen line, derived the position of the galactic center and other basic parameters of galactic rotation, and thus revealed the overall picture of the spiral structure of the Galaxy.

BRIEF BIOGRAPHY

1900	Born in Franeker, The Netherlands
1921	Graduated from University of Groningen
1921-1922	Assistant, University of Groningen
1922-1924	Research Assistant, Observatory of Yale University
1924-1930	Conservator, Leiden Observatory
1926	Doctor of Science, University of Groningen
1935-1970	Professor of Astronomy, Leiden University
1945-1970	Director, Leiden Observatory
1958-1961	President, International Astronomical Union
1970-present	Professor Emeritus, Leiden University

AWARDS AND HONORS

1942	Bruce Medal, Astronomical Society of the Pacific
1946	Gold Medal, Royal Astronomical Society of Great Britain
1966	Vetlesen Prize, Columbia University
1984	Balzan Prize

MAJOR WORKS

1928	Dynamics of the Galactic System in the vicinity of the Sun
1941	Note on the structure of the inner parts of the Galactic System
1950	The structure of the cloud of comets surrounding the solar system, and a hypothesis concerning its origin
1954	The spiral structure of the outer part of the Galactic System derived from the hydrogen emission at 21-cm wave length (with H.C.van de Hulst, C.A.MŸller)
1956	Polarization and composition of the Crab Nebula (with Th. Walraven)
1966	High-latitude, high-velocity clouds
1981	Evidence for the location of quasars in superclusters

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