Greek-South African astronomer and academic who made significant contributions to the field of astronomy, particularly in the discovery of celestial objects and the development of astronomical instruments.
John S. Paraskevopoulos, fondly known as John Paras, was a renowned Greek and South African astronomer who made significant contributions to the field of astronomy, particularly in the discovery of comets and the establishment of observatories in South Africa.
Born on June 20, 1889, in Piraeus, Greece, Paraskevopoulos graduated from the University of Athens with a PhD in physics in 1910, under the supervision of Timoleon A. Argyropoulos. His thesis, "Variability in absorption spectra", showcased his exceptional academic prowess.
Paraskevopoulos' career was marked by several notable milestones. He served in the Greek army during the Balkan Wars and World War I, and later worked as an assistant to Prof. Demetrios Eginitis at the National Observatory of Athens. In 1919, he received a two-year fellowship to work at Yerkes Observatory in the United States, where he met his future wife, Dorothy W. Block.
Upon his return to Athens in 1921, he became the head of the astronomy department at the National Observatory of Athens, with a vision to build a large telescope in Greece. However, due to the war between Greece and Turkey, this dream never materialized.
In 1923, Paraskevopoulos accepted an offer from Dr. Harlow Shapley to become the Superintendent of the Harvard Observatory's Southern Station. However, due to a lack of funding, he moved to Arequipa, Peru to work at Boyden Station, a branch of Harvard Observatory. The decision was made to move Boyden Station to South Africa due to better weather conditions, and Paraskevopoulos served as the director of Boyden Observatory in South Africa from 1927 to 1951.
One of Paraskevopoulos' most notable achievements was the co-discovery of two comets, including C/1941 B2 (de Kock-Paraskevopoulos), which was visible to the naked eye. The Paraskevopoulos crater on the Moon is named in his honor, a testament to his significant contributions to the field of astronomy.
Paraskevopoulos passed away on March 15, 1951, leaving behind a legacy of scientific achievements and contributions to the field of astronomy. His life's work serves as an inspiration to future generations of astronomers and scientists.
John S. Paraskevopoulos' remarkable journey is a testament to his dedication to the field of astronomy. His contributions to the discovery of comets, the establishment of observatories in South Africa, and his legacy continue to inspire future generations of scientists and astronomers.
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