[vsnet-alert 1093] prof. Leonida Rosino (1915-1997)

[munari@astras.pd.astro.it (FAX +39 424 600023, TEL. 600033)]

Dear VSNET partecipants

yesterday July 31 prof. Leonida Rosino passed away. This is a most sad
day for variable star people and for those who had the privilege to study
and to work with him. In all Observatories around the world I had visited
I've always been asked about prof. Rosino, his dedication to astronomy
and half a century of renowned researches well known everywhere.

Leonida Rosino was born in 1915, earned his degree in physics at the University
of Bologna in 1938 and from 1953 to 1985 (when he retired) he was the
director of the Padua and Asiago Observatories. Under his leadership,
the 1.22 m telescope in Asiago (the largest in Europe until late fifties)
was first joined by two large Schmidt telescopes and eventually in 1973 by the
1.82 m reflector, still the largest on the Italian national grounds. 
He was instrumental to establish the first Italian  Department of Astronomy 
at the University of Padua in 1968.
One of the most famous Italian astronomer of any times, Leonida Rosino
favored research topics have been the globular clusters, variable stars of
all kinds, novae and supernovae. Of his undisputed great teaching ability,
keen scientific guide and everlasting enthusiasm several generation 
of Italian astronomers have heartly benefited. At the age of 82 he was still
observing at the telescopes and publishing the results of his more recent
studies. 
Leonida Rosino has been also very active in supporting and encouraging
amateur astronomers, promoting their access to the professional observing
facilities in Asiago and leading regular annual meetings between amateurs
and professionals.

An asteroid discovered at Asiago and recently numbered has been proposed to
by named after prof. Leonida Rosino.

         Ulisse Munari
         Padova and Asiago Observatories

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