The struve dynasty in the history of astronomy in Ukraine

Abstract

The impact of the Struve astronomical dynasty on the development of astronomy in Ukraine in the 19th-20th centuries is studied. First of all, the role of F. G. W. Struve and O. V. Struve in the formation of astronomical research programs at the observatories at the Kharkiv, Kyiv, Odesa, and Mykolayiv, in equipping the observatories with instruments, in practical training of astronomers as well as in the organization of astronomy-geodetic expeditions (19th century). Particular attention is paid to the activity of L. O. Struve as a director of the Astronomical observatory of Kharkiv University and his works conducted together with G. A. Shajn and B. P. Gerasimovich (20th century) as well as to the impact of his scientific and public activity, including one he made as a President of IAC, on the development of astronomy in the Soviet Union and Ukraine. A range of important documents from the archives of Russian Academy of Sciences, Institute of astronomy and State Archive of Ukraine are cited. © 2009 Allerton Press, Inc.