Bernard Lyot

Bernard Ferdinand Lyot ( born February 27, 1897 in Paris, † April 2, 1952 in Cairo ) was a French astronomer who devoted himself especially to the study of the Sun.

Life

Lyot studied engineering, physics and chemistry at the University of Paris. From 1920 until his death he worked at the Observatory of Meudon (→ Paris Observatory ).

He specialized in the production of optical systems and equipment developed to study the polarization of the reflected light from the planet. On him the Lyot filter is declining.

During observations at the observatory on the Pic du Midi, he noted that the moon's surface has properties of volcanic dust and sand storms occur on Mars.

By using a polarimeter it improved the operation of he developed Sonnenkoronografen. Reach him first scheduling footage of prominences. In addition, he showed new absorption lines in the corona.

Only 55 years old was Lyot.

Awards

In his memory, the lunar crater Lyot, the Mars crater Lyot, as well as the asteroid ( 2452 ) Lyot were named after. Furthermore, the 1980 put into operation two-meter telescope at the Pic du Midi carries his name.