William Wilson Morgan | |
|---|---|
| Born | (1906-01-03)January 3, 1906 |
| Died | June 21, 1994(1994-06-21) (aged 88) |
| Alma mater | University of Chicago (B.Sc.), (M.Sc.), (PhD) |
| Known for | Bautz-Morgan classification,cD galaxy type,MK system |
| Awards | Bruce Medal (1958) Henry Draper Medal (1980) |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | astronomy,astrophysics |
| Institutions | Yerkes Observatory |
| Doctoral advisor | Otto Struve |
| Doctoral students | Arne Slettebak,Nancy Grace Roman |
William Wilson Morgan (January 3, 1906 – June 21, 1994) was an Americanastronomer andastrophysicist.[1] The principal theme in Morgan's work was stellar and galaxyclassification. He is also known for helping prove the existence of spiral arms in our galaxy. In addition to his scientific achievements he served as professor and astronomy director for the University of Chicago'sYerkes Observatory in Wisconsin and was the managing editor forGeorge Hale's Astrophysical Journal.
Along withPhilip Keenan he developed theMK system for the classification of stars through theirspectra. He also developed severalgalaxy morphological classification systems, including the first systems to use the physical, quantifiable properties of galaxies, as opposed to simple, qualitative, eyeball estimates favoured byEdwin Hubble. He invented the now widely used classificationcD for massive galaxies in the centres ofgalaxy clusters. In 1970, along with astronomerLaura P. Bautz, they created the still-usedBautz-Morgan classification scheme for clusters, which identifies those containing cD galaxies as the richest, type I clusters.
He worked atYerkes Observatory for much of his career, including acting as its director from 1960 to 1963.[2] Along withDonald Osterbrock andStewart Sharpless, he used distance measurements ofO and B type stars to show the existence ofspiral arms in theMilky Way Galaxy.
From 1947 to 1952, Morgan was managing editor of theAstrophysical Journal,[2][3] a publication originally started byGeorge Hale to promote scientific cooperation between the world's astrophysicists.
Morgan attendedWashington and Lee University but left just before the start of his senior year. He began working as a research assistant atYerkes Observatory and started taking classes there (Yerkes is affiliated with theUniversity of Chicago). Morgan graduated from theUniversity of Chicago in 1927 with a Bachelor of Science degree[4] on the basis of transfer credits from Washington and Lee combined with his subsequent courses atYerkes Observatory. While at UC/Yerkes, Morgan continued his post-graduate studies and received a doctorate in December 1931 underOtto Struve.[5]
Morgan continued on at theUniversity of Chicago and became an assistant professor in 1936, full professor in 1947, and was promoted to distinguished service professor in 1966.[2]
One of his early graduate students instellar classification wasNancy Grace Roman, who went on to become NASA's first Chief of Astronomy.[6] Morgan was the chairman of the UC Department of Astronomy from 1960 to 1966.[2]
Awards and honors
Named after him
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