Allan Sandage, Astronomer, Dies at 84; Charted Cosmos’s Age and Expansion

In summary, Allan Sandage, the influential astronomer known for measuring the age and expansion of the universe, passed away at the age of 84 due to pancreatic cancer. He spent his entire career at Carnegie Observatories and was known for his fearlessness in pursuing his passion for cosmology.
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diogenesNY
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NYTimes.com,
By DENNIS OVERBYE
Published: November 17, 2010

"Allan Sandage, Astronomer, Dies at 84; Charted Cosmos’s Age and Expansion:

Allan R. Sandage, who spent his life measuring the universe, becoming the most influential astronomer of his generation, died Saturday at his home in San Gabriel, Calif. He was 84.

The cause was pancreatic cancer, according to an announcement by the Carnegie Observatories, where he had spent his whole professional career.

Over more than six decades..."

Full Obituary:

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/17/science/space/17sandage.html?hpw


----diogenesNY
 
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Alan Sandage made many contributions to modern cosmology - some right, some wrong - but, he never let fear of being wrong interfere with his passion for cosmology. He will be missed.
 

Related to Allan Sandage, Astronomer, Dies at 84; Charted Cosmos’s Age and Expansion

1. Who was Allan Sandage and what were his contributions to astronomy?

Allan Sandage was an American astronomer who was known for his contributions to the field of cosmology. He is most famous for his work in determining the age of the universe and for his research on the expansion of the cosmos.

2. How did Allan Sandage calculate the age of the universe?

Allan Sandage used a method called the Hubble constant, which is a measure of the rate at which the universe is expanding. By combining this constant with measurements of the distance to other galaxies, Sandage was able to estimate the age of the universe to be around 13 billion years old.

3. What is the significance of Allan Sandage's research on the expansion of the cosmos?

Allan Sandage's work on the expansion of the universe helped to confirm the Big Bang theory, which states that the universe began with a massive explosion and has been expanding ever since. His research also provided evidence for the existence of dark matter and dark energy, two mysterious components of the universe that are still being studied today.

4. What other notable achievements did Allan Sandage have in his career?

In addition to his contributions to cosmology, Allan Sandage also made significant discoveries in the field of astronomy. He was the first to identify quasars as distant, highly energetic objects and also discovered the first known supernova in another galaxy. Sandage was also a mentor to many young astronomers and played a major role in shaping the field.

5. What is the legacy of Allan Sandage in the scientific community?

Allan Sandage's work has had a lasting impact on our understanding of the universe and his contributions continue to influence current research in cosmology and astronomy. He was highly respected by his peers and will be remembered as a pioneer in the field of astrophysics and a dedicated scientist who inspired future generations.

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