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Vasilij DellenRussian astronomer
Country:
 Russia |
Content:
- Vasily Karlovich Dellén: A Russian Astronomer of Note
- Career at Pulkovo Observatory
- Scientific Expeditions and Accomplishments
- Improvements and Tabulations
- Contributions to Astronomy and Geodesy
- Teaching and Legacy
- Retirement and Continuing Contributions
Vasily Karlovich Dellén: A Russian Astronomer of Note
Birth and EducationVasily Karlovich Dellén, a renowned Russian astronomer, was born in Livonia in 1820. He completed his studies at the University of Dorpat (Tartu).
Career at Pulkovo Observatory
Upon the establishment of the Pulkovo Observatory, Dellén joined as an astronomer and diligently rose through the ranks, eventually becoming the senior astronomer. His meticulous observations were published in "Observations de Poulkova."
Scientific Expeditions and Accomplishments
Dellén actively participated in numerous scientific expeditions organized by the observatory. Notably, he observed the transit of Venus in 1874 from Thebes, Egypt, alongside German and English astronomers.
Dellén's most significant scientific contribution was the development of a method for determining time using the Polar Star. This method gained widespread adoption not only in Russia but also internationally. His groundbreaking work, "Die Zeitbestimmung vermittelst des Polarsterns," was translated into Russian and English.
Improvements and Tabulations
Over time, Dellén refined and simplified his time-determination method. From 1886 onwards, he published annual auxiliary tables ("Stern-Ephemeriden zur Bestimmung von Zeit") that made time calculation possible in just 15 minutes.
Contributions to Astronomy and Geodesy
In his role as consulting astronomer to the military and naval ministries, Dellén meticulously reviewed new techniques and publications in astronomy and geodesy. He dedicated himself to improving reflective instruments for maritime observations and developed advanced base-measuring apparatus for land surveying.
Teaching and Legacy
Dellén dedicated many years to teaching astronomy and geodesy to officers at the General Staff Academy and the Naval Academy. He carried on the tradition of educating Russian geodesists and hydrographers established by V. Ya. Struve.
Retirement and Continuing Contributions
In 1890, Dellén retired and settled in Dorpat. Despite his retirement, he remained actively engaged in научных занятиях. In 1893, on the occasion of Struve's centennial celebration, he published "Aufruf zur Umgestaltung der Nautischen Astronomie," proposing advancements in nautical astronomy.
