Vsevolod Sharonov Soviet astronomer. Date of Birth: 10.03.1901 Country: Russia

1. Early Life and Education
2. Military Service and Academic Resumption
3. Astronomical Research
4. Meteorite-Slag Theory
5. Lunar Observations
6. Martian Observations
7. Other Research
8. Publications and Outreach
9. Honors and Recognition

Early Life and Education

Vasily Vasilyevich Sharonov was a renowned Soviet astronomer born on July 19, 1901, in Saint Petersburg, Russia. In 1918, he enrolled at the University of Petrograd.

Military Service and Academic Resumption

From 1919 to 1924, Sharonov served in the Red Army. Upon resuming his studies, he graduated from the university in 1926 and completed his postgraduate studies at the Astronomical Institute in 1929.

Astronomical Research

After graduating, Sharonov worked at the Tashkent Observatory, the State Research Institute of Aerial Photography, and the Pulkovo Observatory (1936-1941). From 1941 onwards, he resided at the Leningrad University, where he became a professor in 1944 and served as the director of the university's observatory from 1950 to 1961. Since 1932, he led the observatory's photometric laboratory, which he established.

Sharonov's primary research interests were photometry of planets, astro-photometry, and atmospheric optics. He developed methods to determine the color and measure the albedo of celestial bodies.

Meteorite-Slag Theory

In collaboration with N. N. Sytinskaya, Sharonov proposed the "meteorite-slag" theory of the outer layer of the Moon's surface. This theory was later confirmed by spacecraft exploring the lunar surface.

Lunar Observations

Sharonov published extensive data on the changes in photometric characteristics of over a hundred lunar objects with the phase of the Moon.

Martian Observations

During the Martian oppositions of 1939, 1956, and 1958, Sharonov conducted photometric and colorimetric observations of the planet. He compared its photometric characteristics with the albedo and colors of samples from Earth's deserts and other forms of weathered crust.

Other Research

Sharonov also conducted photometric studies of other planets and the solar corona. He developed a new type of instrument called a "smoke meter." Additionally, he researched noctilucent clouds and participated in six expeditions to observe solar eclipses.

Publications and Outreach

Sharonov authored several books, including "Measurement and Calculation of Visibility of Distant Objects" (1947), "Mars" (1947), and "Nature of the Planets" (1958). He was an active educator and popularizer of astronomy, having written numerous popular brochures on the subject.

Honors and Recognition

In recognition of his contributions, a minor planet (2416 Sharonov) discovered by N. S. Chernykh on July 31, 1979, at the Crimean Astrophysical Observatory was named after him.