We have been profoundly saddened to learn of Dr Allan Chapman’s passing final week. Just a few months shy of his eightieth birthday, Allan was a towering mind within the discipline of the historical past of astronomy. His data of the topic was second to none, and his indomitable spirit captivated audiences far and huge.
The astronomical neighborhood won’t ever be the identical with out him. Astronomy Now won’t ever be the identical once more, both. Allan was one or our contributing consultants, and saved us provided with a relentless stream of excellent articles over the a long time. Just some weeks in the past, he submitted the record of matters he wished to put in writing about subsequent. It’s unhappy certainly to grasp that we are going to not have the pleasure of studying these.
All of us at Astronomy Now lengthen our deepest sympathies to his spouse Rachel, and to all those that knew and admired him.
In affiliation with the Society for the History of Astronomy we’ll current a full appreciation of Allan’s life and work within the March subject of Astronomy Now, alongside along with his closing article for us: a sometimes exuberant tour of the good observatories of North America.
Farewell Allan, and thanks.
Stuart Clark, Editor
