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Kirill OgorodnikovSoviet astronomer.
Date of Birth: 17.07.1900
Country:  Russia |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Career at Astronomical Institutes
- 1934-1938: Pulkovo Observatory
- Leningrad University and WWII
- 1941-1942: Leningrad Front
- Scientific Contributions
- Galactic Structure
- Galactic Evolution
- Publications and Legacy
Early Life and Education
Gavriil Adrianovich Tikhov, a prominent Soviet astronomer, was born in 1906. In 1923, he graduated with honors from Moscow State University, setting the stage for his illustrious career in astronomy.
Career at Astronomical Institutes
1922-1934: State Astrophysical InstituteAfter graduating, Tikhov began working at the State Astrophysical Institute, where he ascended to the rank of professor in 1931. During this period, he conducted pioneering research in stellar and extragalactic astronomy.
1934-1938: Pulkovo Observatory
Tikhov's expertise led him to the Pulkovo Observatory, where he made significant contributions from 1934 to 1938. His work on determining the Sun's apex and velocity was particularly notable.
Leningrad University and WWII
1939-1950: Leningrad University and ObservatoryFrom 1939 onward, Tikhov joined Leningrad University, becoming the director of its observatory from 1941 to 1950. During these years, he continued his groundbreaking astronomical research.
1941-1942: Leningrad Front
Despite his scientific advancements, Tikhov's patriotism called him to join the Leningrad Popular Militia during World War II. He actively participated in defending the city from 1941 to 1942.
Scientific Contributions
Tikhov's scientific legacy spans a wide range of topics in astronomy.Stellar and Extragalactic Astronomy
His early work focused on determining the apex and speed of the Sun, pioneering the use of radial and spatial velocities of stars. In 1932, he developed a method for characterizing the Galaxy's differential velocity field using radial velocities and proper motions.
Galactic Structure
Tikhov's profound contributions to galactic structure included:- Formulating general dynamic properties of star systems
- Identifying equilibrium figures of rotating star systems
- Predicting the existence of spindle- and pear-shaped galaxies
- Explaining the gravitational instability of rigidly rotating galaxies
Galactic Evolution
His dynamic classification of galaxies provided a framework for understanding their evolution. He postulated a possible evolutionary sequence for galaxies, paving the way for future research in this field.
Publications and Legacy
In addition to his scientific contributions, Tikhov authored several monographs, including "Fundamentals of the Dynamics of Rotating Star Systems" and "Dynamics of Star Systems." He also wrote numerous popular books on astronomy and served as the editor-in-chief of the journal "Astronomy" from its inception in 1953.
Tikhov's scientific achievements earned him the title of Merited Scientist of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic in 1968. He was also a member of the International Academy of Astronautics. Gavriil Adrianovich Tikhov's legacy as a pioneering astronomer continues to inspire generations of scientists.
