František Běhounek (Czech pronunciation:[ˈfraɲcɪʃɛkˈbjɛɦounɛk]; 27 October 1898 – 1 January 1973) was a Czech physicist, explorer and writer. He is known for his science fiction books for youth.
Běhounek was born on 27 October 1898 inPrague. He studied physics and mathematics atCharles University, laterradiology in France withMarie Curie-Skłodowska.[1] In the 1920s, he was one of the founders of State Radiological Institute. In 1926, he took part in an expedition ofRoald Amundsen to theNorth Pole with the airshipNorge. In 1928, as an expert oncosmic rays, he was a member of crew of airshipItalia led byUmberto Nobile. He survived its crash on theArctic ice on 25 May 1928, and later described it in his bookTrosečníci na kře ledové ('Castaways on an ice floe').
As a scientist, he worked in industrial companies, medical institutions, universities and in the state academy. From the 1950s on, he participated inUNESCO projects.
Běhounek died on 1 January 1973 inKarlovy Vary, at the age of 74.
Běhounek published about 28 novels (most of them aimed at young people, popularizing science orscience fiction) and many scientific works.
The asteroid3278 Běhounek is named after him.
