Norman Jack RumseyONZM (15 September 1922 – 9 January 2007) was a New Zealand designer of optical systems.
Rumsey was the head of the optics section of theDepartment of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) from 1949 until his retirement. He developed the optical system for the McLellan telescope at theMount John University Observatory nearLake Tekapo in theMackenzie Basin.[1] His design was the basis for amarine navigation system that was commercialised byVega Industries inPorirua.[2]
4154 Rumsey, aminor planet, is named for him.[3] The citation reads:[1]
Norman J. Rumsey is New Zealand's foremost optical designer. With Garry Nankivell, he has developed numerous optical systems for professional and amateur astronomers throughout the country. Rumsey's three-mirror designs were of particular interest.
In 1973, Rumsey was awarded theT. K. Sidey Medal, an award set up by theRoyal Society of New Zealand for outstanding scientific research.[4][5] In the2004 Queen's Birthday Honours, he was appointed anOfficer of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for services to optics and astronomy.[6]
Rumsey was a member of theAstronomical Society of Australia and theInternational Astronomical Union. For many years, he was on the council of theRoyal Astronomical Society of New Zealand, was elected a fellow in 1969, and served as its president in 1974/75. He was one of the people who established theWellington Astronomical Society.[1]
Rumsey died on 9 January 2007.[1]
| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
   | This article about a New Zealand scientist is astub. You can help Wikipedia byexpanding it. |
