Brian Marsden (1927-2010)

Hello,

It is with deep regret to learn of the passing of Brian Mardsden after complications following an illness. Although I only met him a couple of times he struck me a true friend to astronomers, amateur and professional alike.

Please see note below.

John

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BRIAN G. MARSDEN (1937-2010)
It is with deep regret that we must announce the death today
of Brian G. Marsden after a lengthy illness. He will be remembered
as contributing much to celestial mechanics and the dynamics and
orbits of minor bodies of the solar system and as having an encyclopedic
knowledge of the history of astronomy. He was a dedicated servant to
the astronomical community for many decades, serving as Director of the
Central Bureau from 1968 to 2000 (and as Director Emeritus since then)
and as Director of the Minor Planet Center from 1978 to 2006 (and as
Director Emeritus since then). He also served extensively within
Commissions 6 and 20 of the IAU over the years, being past President of
both Commissions. And he was one of the most visible astronomers in
the world over the years in terms of his generous availability to the
news media on behalf of the astronomical community.


NOTE: These 'Central Bureau Electronic Telegrams' are sometimes
superseded by text appearing later in the printed IAU Circulars.

(C) Copyright 2010 CBAT
2010 November 18 (CBET 2554) Daniel W. E. Green

Very sad news indeed. I only got to know Brian in the last couple of years. A true gentleman, who was always willing to help an aspiring amateur with his vast knowledge of the subject area.

Today we lost one of the greats.

Ár Dheis Dé go raibh a anam dilís.

Sorry to hear this news.
Brian was a major contributor to modern astronomy.

May he rest in peace.

Michael.

Really sad news! Brian was a huge supporter of international amateur astronomy.

I met him many years ago at the Minor Planet Center at Harvard.
It was there he encouraged me as an amateur to take up asteroid observations. At the time I was heavily involved in variable star observations with the IUAA.

He encouraged me to take my first observations of Betulia flyby using a homemade colour photometer, these observations were used by the astronomer Tau Kiang to determine improved taxonomic characteristics. Those were the days when there were very few plate measuring machines in the hands of amateurs in order to work out astrometric positions of known asteroids. Those days it took about 2 days to work out an accurate position from your photographic observations. Now it takes 2 minutes.

Years later, through his encouragement I did a Masters, focussing on an aspect of planetary research and now writing up a PhD thesis on TNOs.

It's amazing how one can be influenced by one single person in ones life. I have never met another astronomer since that would personally spend so much time with so many amateur astronomers.

The last time I met him was 4 years ago at the ProAm meeting in the UK on Asteroids and Comets. He was still attending amateur events as the guest speaker, encouraging amateurs like myself to follow through with key observations.

However, he would only encourage you if he knew you were considering doing some science. He will be greatly missed by the amateur community.

Eamonn A

www.kingslandobservatory.com

I never met Brian but it is very clear that he touched many people.

It is very clear that his reputation preceded him.

May he rest in peace.

Dave

R.I.P. Mr. Marsden,

Seanie.