| PARASKEVOPOULOS, John Stefanos [Dr]
Professional Astronomer Born: 20 June 1889, Greece |
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| Famous for: Director of Boyden Observatory (1923 – 1951) -Arequipa (Astronomer in charge 1923 – 1927) -Bloemfontein (1927 – 1951) . Summary: |
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| History: John Stefanos Paraskevopoulos was born in Greece on 20 June 1889. He was a graduate of Athens University, a corresponding member of the Greek Academy, and also a Knight of the Order of Phoenix – as well as being a noted astrophysicist. In 1923 Dr John Stefanos Paraskevopoulos had become astronomer in charge of the first Boyden Observatory in Arequipa, Peru. In July 1927 he came to Mazelspoort (Bloemfontein, South Africa), together with his wife, who was also an astronomer. They made the final survey of the qualities of the terrain as a proper site for the new Boyden Observatory. The first equipment was shipped over at once and the first observations from the new Boyden station were made in September 1927. Paraskevopoulos was officially appointed Director. Paraskevopoulus remained Director until 1951; his was a long and highly successful regime. No official Director was appointed after Paraskevopoulos’s retirement & subsequent death on 15 March 1961. . Career: Graduated at Athens University. Member of the Greek Academy. 1923 – 1927: Astronomer in Charge (Director) of Boyden Observatory, Arequipa. 1927 – 1951: Director of Boyden Observatory, Bloemfontein. 1951: Retired.Honours bestowed upon Paraskevopoulos: -Knight of the Order of Phoenix. Personal: 1889 June 20: Born in Greece. 1951: Retired. 1961 March 15: Died |
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Link to the Telescope Manufacturers. |
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Link to the Main Bibliography Section and more information about Sources. |
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| Remaining Artifacts: . Bibliography: Moore, P. & Collins, P., Astronomy in Southern Africa, p.122. (General Source) Smits, P., A Brief History of Astronomy in Southern Africa. (Unpublished). By Paraskevopoulos: |
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| Related Internal Links: Boyden Observatory. |
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Gallery
Paraskevopoulos in his study.
Source: Friends of Boyden Observatory
Paraskevopoulos on the veranda of his house.
Source: Friends of Boyden Observatory
The construction site of the Rockefellar Telescope.
Source: Friends of Boyden Observatory