Lyman Spitzer/
Early Life and Education
Lyman Spitzer Jr. was born on June 26, 1914, in Toledo, Ohio. He was the son of Lyman Spitzer, a businessman, and his wife, Blanche Carey Spitzer. From an early age, Spitzer showed a keen interest in science and mathematics. He attended the Scott High School in Toledo, where he excelled in his studies.
In 1931, Spitzer enrolled at Yale University, where he studied physics. He was a brilliant student and graduated summa cum laude in 1935. Following his graduation, Spitzer moved to Cambridge University in England, where he pursued his doctoral studies under the guidance of astrophysicist Arthur Eddington. His doctoral thesis, completed in 1938, was on the topic of stellar dynamics and marked the beginning of his lifelong interest in astrophysics.
Career and Research
After completing his doctorate, Spitzer returned to the United States and joined the faculty of Yale University as an assistant professor of physics. However, his academic career was interrupted by the outbreak of World War II. During the war, Spitzer worked on the development of sonar technology at the U.S. Navy's Underwater Sound Laboratory in New London, Connecticut.
In 1946, Spitzer was appointed as the director of the Princeton Astrophysical Sciences department, a position he held until 1979. During his tenure, he made significant contributions to the field of astrophysics, particularly in the areas of star formation, plasma physics, and interstellar medium.
One of Spitzer's most significant contributions was his pioneering work on the concept of a space-based telescope. In 1946, he wrote a paper titled "Astronomical Advantages of an Extra-Terrestrial Observatory," in which he proposed the idea of placing a large telescope in space to observe the universe without the distortions caused by the Earth's atmosphere. This idea was revolutionary at the time and laid the groundwork for the development of the Hubble Space Telescope.
In addition to his work on space telescopes, Spitzer also made significant contributions to the field of plasma physics. He was instrumental in the development of the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory and played a key role in the research on nuclear fusion as a potential source of energy.
Legacy
Lyman Spitzer passed away on March 31, 1997. His contributions to the field of astrophysics continue to be recognized and celebrated. In 2002, NASA named its space-based infrared telescope the Spitzer Space Telescope in his honor.
Spitzer's work on space telescopes has had a profound impact on the field of astrophysics. The Hubble Space Telescope, which was launched in 1990, has provided some of the most detailed images of the universe ever captured and has greatly expanded our understanding of the cosmos.
Spitzer's contributions to plasma physics and nuclear fusion research have also had a lasting impact. The Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, which he helped establish, continues to be a leading center for fusion research.