Born: 1935 (Shuya, Ivanovo Oblast)
Biography:
Lyudmila Ivanovna Chernykh was a renowned Russian-Soviet astronomer who is best known for her prolific discoveries of minor planets. Born on June 13, 1935, in Shuya, Ivanovo Oblast, Chernykh dedicated her life to the study of celestial objects and made significant contributions to the field of astronomy.
Chernykh’s journey in the field of astronomy began with her education. In 1959, she graduated from the Irkutsk State Pedagogical Institute, now known as the Pedagogical Institute of Irkutsk State University. Her thirst for knowledge and passion for astrometry led her to work in the Time and Frequency Laboratory of the All-Union Research Institute of Physico-Technical and Radiotechnical Measurements in Irkutsk from 1959 to 1963. During this time, she conducted astrometrical observations for the Time Service, refining the accuracy of timekeeping and paving the way for her future astronomical endeavors.
In 1964, Chernykh joined the Institute of Theoretical Astronomy of the USSR Academy of Sciences, now the Russian Academy of Sciences. She served as a scientific worker at the Crimean Astrophysical Observatory (CrAO) in Nauchnyy settlement on the Crimean Peninsula for over three decades, from 1964 to 1998. Her work at CrAO involved observing and studying celestial bodies, contributing to the understanding of the universe.
Throughout her career, Chernykh made impressive discoveries in the field of astronomy. The Minor Planet Center credits her with the discovery of 267 numbered minor planets, a staggering number that solidifies her place in astronomical history. Her discoveries spanned from 1966 to 1992, and her work significantly expanded humanity’s knowledge of the Solar System.
Chernykh’s collaborative efforts with her husband, Nikolai Stepanovich Chernykh, and fellow astronomer Tamara Smirnova have resulted in noteworthy discoveries. Two of her most significant findings are 2127 Tanya, named after Russian child diarist Tanya Savicheva, and 2212 Hephaistos, a near-Earth object belonging to the Apollo group of asteroids. But her contributions extended far beyond these notable discoveries, as the entirety of her work has left an indelible mark on the scientific community.
Chernykh’s dedication and immense contributions to the field of astronomy were recognized and honored throughout her career. In her and her husband’s honor, the asteroid 2325 Chernykh was named. This asteroid, discovered in 1979 by Czech astronomer Antonín Mrkos, stands as a testament to their significant contributions to the field. The naming citation was published by the Minor Planet Center on June 1, 1981 (M.P.C. 6060).
Lyudmila Chernykh’s impact on astronomy and her numerous achievements have solidified her legacy as a pioneering figure in the world of science. Her tireless efforts and pursuit of knowledge have not only expanded our understanding of the cosmos but have also inspired future generations of astronomers to delve into the wonders of the universe.
Awards:
– Asteroid 2325 Chernykh named in her honor (1979)