Jason John Nassau (1893–1965) was an

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astronomer An astronomer is a scientist in the field of astronomy who focuses their studies on a specific question or field outside the scope of Earth. They observe astronomical objects such as stars, planets, moons, comets and galaxies – in either ...

. He performed his doctoral studies at Syracuse, and gained his

Ph.D. A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD, Ph.D., or DPhil; Latin: or ') is the most common degree at the highest academic level awarded following a course of study. PhDs are awarded for programs across the whole breadth of academic fields. Because it is ...

mathematics in 1920. (His thesis was ''Some Theorems in Alternants''.) He then became an assistant professor at the Case Institute of Technology in 1921, teaching

astronomy Astronomy () is a natural science that studies celestial objects and phenomena. It uses mathematics, physics, and chemistry in order to explain their origin and evolution. Objects of interest include planets, moons, stars, nebulae, g ...

. He continued to instruct at that institution, becoming the University's first chair of astronomy from 1924 until 1959 and chairman of the graduate division from 1936 until 1940. After 1959 he was professor emeritus. From 1924 until 1959 he was also the director of the Case Western Reserve University (CWRU)

Warner and Swasey Observatory The Warner and Swasey Observatory is the astronomical observatory of Case Western Reserve University. Named after Worcester R. Warner and Ambrose Swasey, who built it at the beginning of the 20th century, it was initially located on Taylor Road i ...

in Cleveland, Ohio. He was a pioneer in the study of

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structure. He also discovered a new star cluster, co-discovered 2 novae in 1961, and developed a technique of studying the distribution of red (M-class or cooler) stars. In 1922, Nassau led the formation of the Cleveland Astronomical Society, "a club among those citizens of Cleveland and vicinity who were interested in astronomy." He served as the extant organization's first president for 41 years.

Bibliography

* Nassau, Jason John, ''A Textbook of Practical Astronomy'',

1934 Events January–February * January 1 – The International Telecommunication Union, a specialist agency of the League of Nations, is established. * January 15 – The 8.0 Nepal–Bihar earthquake strikes Nepal and Bihar with a maxi ...

, New York.

Honors

* The Nassau Astronomical Station at the Warner and Swasey Observatory, Observatory Park,

Geauga Park District The Geauga Park District, among the Ohio Metroparks, manages a system of nature preserves scattered throughout Geauga County, Ohio. The network of 22 open parks, as well as preserves and future parks, encompass more than and includes 60+ miles of ...

, is named for him. * The Jason J. Nassau Prize was established by the Cleveland Astronomical Society in 1965. It is awarded annually to an outstanding senior student in the CWRU Department of Astronomy. * The Jason J. Nassau Service Award was established by the Cleveland Astronomical Society in 2007 to recognize a person who has shown exemplary leadership and contributions in the Local, National and International Astronomy Community. * The crater

Nassau Nassau may refer to: Places Bahamas *Nassau, Bahamas, capital city of the Bahamas, on the island of New Providence Canada *Nassau District, renamed Home District, regional division in Upper Canada from 1788 to 1792 *Nassau Street (Winnipeg), ...

on the

Moon The Moon is Earth's only natural satellite. It is the fifth largest satellite in the Solar System and the largest and most massive relative to its parent planet, with a diameter about one-quarter that of Earth (comparable to the width of ...

is named after him. * Asteroid 9240 Nassau is named for him. It was discovered May 31, 1997.

External links

NASA Biographies of Aerospace Officials and Policymakers, K-N

Encyclopedia of Cleveland History: Nassau, Jason J.

Astrophysical Journal, vol. 65, p.73; A Study of Solar Motion by Harmonic Analysis; Nassau, J. J. & Morse, P. M; March 1927, p. 73

Quarterly Journal of the Royal Astronomical Society, Vol. 7, p.79; Jason John Nassau (obituary); 1966

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Nassau, Jason John 1893 births 1965 deaths American astronomers Case Western Reserve University faculty