Viktor Hambardzumyan

Viktor Hambardzumyan

Renowned astrophysicist and one of the founders of theoretical astrophysics Victor Hambardzumyan was born on 5(18) September 1908 in Tiflis. He was a graduate Leningrad State University. In 1934, he established and headed the first USSR Astrophysics Chair at Leningrad University. In 1934-1941, he was the director of the Leningrad University Astrophysical Observatory. In 1939, Hambardsumyan was elected associate member of the USSR Academy of Sciences. In 1953, he became a full member of the Academy. In 1947, he was elected President of the Armenian SSR Academy of Sciences, then re-elected and held that position until 1993 when he became its honorary president. In 1946, Hambardzumyan founded the Byurakan Observatory of which he was the director until 1988. In 1961-1964, he was the International Astronomical Society President; in 1968-1970 and in 1970-1972, he was elected the president of the International Council of Scientific Unions. Hambardzumyan died on 12 August 1996 in Byurakan. He was buried in the cemetery not far from the Grand Telescope in Byurakan. He is the author of many articles and books dedicated to various aspects of astrophysics. He was the member of USSR Supreme Soviet in 1950-1990. In 1989, he was elected member of People's Deputies Congress of USSR. He was an honorary member of more than 20 academies and honourary doctor of several foreign universities. He was awarded the Stalin Prize (2), the Russian State Prize and the Lomonosov Gold Medal of USSR. He was awarded the title of Hero of Socialist Labour Work of USSR (2) and many other medals. A V. Hambardzumyan International prize in astronomy was created in Armenia. National Hero of Armenia (11.10.1994). He was awarded the highest Hayrenik Order of the Republic of Armenia.