"A 94 km wide crater on the far side of the Moon was named Paraskevopoulos Crater."
Ioannis Paraskevopoulos
Greek astronomer Ioannis Paraskevopoulos, known for his extensive work in South Africa, died on 15 March 1951 in Bloemfontein, South Africa, after a short illness. He was 61.
Career
Paraskevopoulos studied physics and mathematics at the University of Athens. After military service in the Balkan Wars and World War I, he studied at Yerkes Observatory (University of Chicago) on a scholarship. He later became head of the astronomy department at the National Observatory of Athens in 1921. Due to limited funding, he moved to Harvard University's astronomical station in Arequipa, Peru, in 1923, and in 1927 became director of the station after its relocation to South Africa, a position he held until his death.
Research and Discoveries
His research focused on comets, and he co-discovered two comets. The Harvard archive preserves over 100,000 photographic plates from his work.
Recognition and Honors
- A 94 km wide crater on the far side of the Moon was named Paraskevopoulos Crater.
- Received an honorary doctorate from Harvard University.
- Member of astronomical societies in the US, UK, France, and South Africa.
- Awarded Commander of the Order of the Phoenix by Greece.
- Associate member of the Academy of Athens.