The Sad Passing of BRIAN MARSDEN (1937 Aug. 5-2010 Nov. 18)

It has just been announced in a Central Bureau Electronic Telegram that Astronomer Brian Marsden died this morning after contracting pneumonia on top of the leukemia he had been fighting this past year.

"He will be remembered as contributing much to celestial mechanics and the dynamics and orbits of minor bodies of thesolar system and as having an encyclopedic knowledge of the history of astronomy. He was a dedicated servant to the astronomical community for many decades, serving as Director of the Central Bureau from 1968 to 2000 (and as Director Emeritus since then) and as Director of the Minor Planet Center from 1978 to 2006 (and as Director Emeritus since then). He also served extensively within Commissions 6 and 20 of the IAU over the years, being past President of both Commissions. And he was one of the most visible astronomers in the world over the years in terms of his generous availability to the news media on behalf of the astronomical community." Asteroid 1877 Marsden is named in his honor. http://simostronomy.blogspot.com/2010/11/brian-g-marsden-1937-2010.html