Leo Goldberg (1913-1987), American astronomer, applied atomic physics to astrophysical problems, and is best known for study of the sun from space. According to his National Academy of Sciences Biographical memoir, "He was director of three important observatories: University of Michigan (1946-60), Harvard (1960-71), and Kitt Peak National Observatory (1971-77). He played an important role in founding the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy, Kitt Peak National Observatory, and the National Radio Astronomy Observatory. He contributed real leadership as president of the American Astronomical Society (1964-66) and the International Astronomical Union (1971-76)."
Goldberg's association with Donald H. Menzel and interest in the field of atomic spectra began during Goldberg's undergraduate career at Harvard.
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1922:
Mother and brother killed in fire, Leo Goldberg hospitalized
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1930:
Enrolls in Harvard
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1934:
S.B., Harvard
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1935:
calculation of relative multiplet strengths in a transition array
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1938:
Ph.D., Harvard; dissertation on intensities of lines in the helium spectrum
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1938 -
1941
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research fellow, Harvard
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1941:
McMath-Hulbert Observatory, University of Michigan
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1943:
marries Charlotte Wyman
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1946 -
1960
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chairman of astronomy department, director of observatory, University of Michigan
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1958:
publishes Astronomy from Space Vehicles
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1958:
National Academy of Sciences member
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1958:
American Philosophical Society member
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1960 -
1971
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Higgins Professor of Astronomy, Harvard
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1966 -
1971
:
director of Harvard College Observatory
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1967:
launch of satellite, Orbiting Solar Observatory IV
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1967 -
1970
:
chairman, Astronomy Missions Board, National Aeronautics and Space Administration
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1971 -
1977
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Kitt Peak National Observatory
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1964 -
1966
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President of the American Astronomical Society
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1970:
honorary degree, University of Massachusetts
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1973:
Distinguished Service Medal, National Aeronautics and Space Administration
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1973 -
1976
:
President of International Astronomical Union
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1974:
honorary degree, University of Michigan
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1977 -
1983
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distinguished research scientist, Kitt Peak National Observatory
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1977:
honorary degree, University of Arizona
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1979 -
1982
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American Academy of Arts and Sciences council
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1984:
Associate in research, Harvard College Observatory
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1985:
Martin-Marietta Chair of Space History at the Smithsonian Institution's National Air and
Space Museum
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1987:
marries Beverly T. Lynds
From the guide to the Papers of Leo Goldberg, 1933-1987, (Harvard University Archives)
