Max Wolf

Maximilian Franz Joseph Cornelius Wolf (June 21 1863 – October 3 1932) was a German astronomer. He was a pioneer of astrophotography.

Related Topics:
June 21 - 1863 - October 3 - 1932 - Astronomer - Astrophotography

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He was born in Heidelberg, Germany. In 1888 he was awarded a Ph.D. by the University of Heidelberg, and joined the staff of that institution in 1890.

Related Topics:
Heidelberg - Germany - 1888 - Ph.D. - University of Heidelberg - 1890

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Working in Heidelberg, he discovered more than 200 asteroids, beginning with 323 Brucia in 1891. He pioneered the use of astrophotographic techniques to automate the discovery of asteroids, as opposed to older visual methods, as a result of which asteroid discovery rates sharply increased. In time-exposure photographs, asteroids appear as short streaks due to their planetary motion with respect to fixed stars.

Related Topics:
Heidelberg - Asteroid - 323 Brucia - 1891

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Among his many discoveries was 588 Achilles (the first Trojan asteroid) in 1906, as well as two other Trojans: 659 Nestor and 884 Priamus. He also discovered 887 Alinda in 1918, which is now recognized as an Earth-crossing Amor asteroid (or sometimes classified as the namesake of its own Alinda family). Shortly after his last discovery (on February 6, 1932), his record 248 discoveries were beaten by his pupil Karl Wilhelm Reinmuth, on July 24, 1933.

Related Topics:
588 Achilles - Trojan asteroid - 1906 - 659 Nestor - 884 Priamus - 887 Alinda - 1918 - Amor asteroid - Alinda family - February 6 - 1932 - Karl Wilhelm Reinmuth - July 24 - 1933

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The Minor Planet Center credits his discoveries as "M. F. Wolf"; there is a more recent "M. Wolf" who is Marek Wolf.

Related Topics:
Minor Planet Center - Marek Wolf

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He also discovered or co-discovered some comets, including 14P/Wolf and 43P/Wolf-Harrington.

Related Topics:
Comet - 14P/Wolf - 43P/Wolf-Harrington

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He also discovered Wolf 359, a red dwarf that is one of the nearest stars to our solar system. Note that Wolf-Rayet stars were co-discovered by French astronomer Charles Wolf and not by him.

Related Topics:
Wolf 359 - Red dwarf - Wolf-Rayet star - Charles Wolf

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He died in Heidelberg.

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