August Kopff
Early Life and Education
August Kopff was born on February 5, 1882, in Heidelberg, Germany. He developed an early interest in astronomy, which led him to pursue studies in this field. He attended the University of Heidelberg, where he studied under the renowned astronomer Max Wolf.
Career
After completing his studies, Kopff remained at the University of Heidelberg, working as an assistant to Max Wolf. During this time, he made significant contributions to the field of astronomy, particularly in the area of asteroid discovery. Over his career, Kopff discovered a total of 70 asteroids, making him one of the most prolific asteroid discoverers of his time.
Discoveries
Kopff's first significant discovery was the asteroid 692 Hippodamia, which he discovered on July 5, 1901. This was followed by numerous other discoveries, including the asteroids 735 Marghanna and 736 Harvard. His most significant discovery, however, was the asteroid 944 Hidalgo, which is notable for its highly elliptical orbit that takes it beyond the orbit of Jupiter.
Later Life and Legacy
Kopff continued to work at the University of Heidelberg until his retirement in 1950. He passed away on April 25, 1960, leaving behind a significant legacy in the field of astronomy. His contributions to asteroid discovery have been recognized by the astronomical community, with the asteroid 1746 Brouwer being named in his honor.