Gerard Kuiper

Gerard Peter Kuiper ("KYE per"), born Gerrit Pieter Kuiper ("KOW per") (December 7, 1905 – December 23, 1973) was a Dutch-American astronomer. Born and educated in the Netherlands, he came to the United States in 1933 and became a naturalized citizen in 1937.

Related Topics:
December 7 - 1905 - December 23 - 1973 - Dutch - American - Astronomer - Naturalized citizen - 1937

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Kuiper discovered two moons of planets in the solar system, namely Uranus's moon Miranda and Neptune's moon Nereid. He also suggested the existence of a belt outside Neptune's orbit, now named the Kuiper belt, whose existence is confirmed (see Trans-Neptunian objects). Kuiper also pioneered airborne infrared observing using a Convair 990 aircraft in the 1960s.

Related Topics:
Moon - Planet - Solar system - Uranus - Miranda - Neptune - Nereid - Kuiper belt - Trans-Neptunian object - Convair 990

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In 1959, Kuiper won the Henry Norris Russell Lectureship of the American Astronomical Society.

Related Topics:
Henry Norris Russell Lectureship - American Astronomical Society

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In the 1960s, Kuiper helped identify landing sites on the moon for the Apollo program.

Related Topics:
1960s - Landing - Moon - Apollo program

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Asteroid 1776 Kuiper and craters on the Moon, on Mars and on Mercury are named after him.

Related Topics:
Asteroid - 1776 Kuiper - Crater - Moon - Mars - Mercury

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