David J. Lane | |
|---|---|
| Born | (1963-08-23)August 23, 1963 Iserlohn, Germany |
| Died | 24 March 2024(2024-03-24) (aged 60) Upper Tantallon, Nova Scotia, Canada |
| Website | www |
Dr. David J. Lane (born 1963) was a Canadian astronomer atSaint Mary's University, the past president of theRoyal Astronomical Society of Canada, director of the Burke-Gaffneyastronomical observatory,[1] owner of the Abbey-Ridge Observatory,[2] and creator of theplanetarium software entitled theEarth Centered Universe.[3]Asteroid117032 Davidlane is named in his honour, and theasteroid lies in themain asteroid belt betweenMars andJupiter. He was awarded Doctor of Science,honoris causa, on January 27, 2024 by Saint Mary's University.[4]
Lane created the first software that enablesTwitter users to request images of the Universe from an astronomical observatory (i.e., the Burke-Gaffney Observatory).[5] The impetus is to foster awareness of the Universe, by enabling citizens to readily access an observatory usingsocial media, a project that has been heralded as an important innovation by international media.[6][7]
Lane, and fellow Canadian astronomer Paul Gray, discoveredsupernovas 1995F inNGC 2726,[8]SN 2005B inUGC 11066, and 2005ea inMCG+10-16-61.[9] Kathryn Aurora Gray examined images acquired by Lane via hisAbbey Ridge Observatory and discovered a supernova inUGC 3378 (SN 2010lt). Kathryn subsequently became the youngest person to have discovered a supernova.[10]
Lane was a featured guest oncomet hunterDavid H. Levy's internet radio show:Let's Talk Stars.[11]
Observations from Lane'sastronomical observatory have also been used to improve thecosmic distance ladder.[12]
Lane died on March 24, 2024.[13]