Wilhelm Abold The first director of the Astronomical Observatory of Irkutsk University. Date of Birth: 01.01.1879 Country: Russia

1. Early Life and Education
2. Revolutionary Activities
3. Political Troubles and Exile
4. Scientific Contributions
5. Career in Siberia
6. Establishment of the Astronomical Observatory
7. Arrest and Imprisonment
8. Legacy

Early Life and Education

Wilhelm Karl Abold (1879-1948) was born on July 2, 1879, in Goldingen (now Kuldiga), Latvia, to a family of civil servants. He had a sister named Elwira Kazhok. Abold completed his studies at the University of Dorpat (now Tartu University) in 1903, earning a degree in physical and mathematical sciences.

Revolutionary Activities

During his university days, Abold became actively involved in the revolutionary movement, joining the Russian Social Democratic Labour Party (Bolsheviks) from 1905 to 1908. He used the underground alias "Samsonov" and served as the party's treasurer. Abold's apartment served as a clandestine printing press and meeting place for the organization.

Political Troubles and Exile

In January 1907, Abold was implicated in a baggage incident involving revolutionary literature. He was arrested on May 14, 1908, and sentenced to three months in prison and three months in exile in Yenotayevsk. Upon his return to Dorpat, he was under constant surveillance and ceased active revolutionary activities.

Scientific Contributions

Despite his political involvement, Abold continued to pursue scientific research. He participated in astronomical and geodetic expeditions to the Amur and Zabaykal regions from 1909 to 1910, publishing findings in the German astronomical journal "Astronomische Nachrichten." He also studied at the University of Göttingen in 1911-1912 and possibly visited Czechoslovakia during this period.

Career in Siberia

In 1913, Abold relocated to Tomsk after facing pressure from the administration of Riga University. He worked as a caretaker at the Tomsk University's physics department and taught at various institutions. During the Russian Revolution, he participated in efforts to reform the Technological Institute and criticize reactionary professors.

Establishment of the Astronomical Observatory

In 1924, Abold was appointed Professor of Astronomy at Irkutsk State University (IrkSU). He played a pivotal role in establishing the university's Astronomical Observatory, where he conducted stellar observations.

Arrest and Imprisonment

On August 14, 1938, Abold was arrested on fabricated charges of counter-revolutionary activity as part of a trotskyist organization within the university. He was subjected to lengthy interrogations but denied all accusations. After a year in prison, Abold was released on August 15, 1939.

Legacy

Following his release, Abold resumed his teaching duties at IrkSU until his death in 1948. He was remembered as a strict and demanding teacher. Abold's contributions to astronomy and his involvement in the revolutionary movement have left a lasting legacy in the history of Irkutsk University.