Walter H. Haas
Encyclopedia
Walter H. Haas is an American
amateur astronomer
.
He started observing
in the 1930s. After the Second World War he founded the Association of Lunar and Planetary Observers
(ALPO) and served there as the executive director between 1947 and the mid-1980s. Since then he has remained a member of the board of directors as the Director Emeritus
.
He received several awards for his contributions to astronomy
: the Astronomical League Award in 1952, the Amateur Achievement Award of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific
in 1994 and the Presidential Award of the Astronomical League
in 2004.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
amateur astronomer
Amateur astronomy
Amateur astronomy, also called backyard astronomy and stargazing, is a hobby whose participants enjoy watching the night sky , and the plethora of objects found in it, mainly with portable telescopes and binoculars...
.
He started observing
Observational astronomy
Observational astronomy is a division of the astronomical science that is concerned with getting data, in contrast with theoretical astrophysics which is mainly concerned with finding out the measurable implications of physical models...
in the 1930s. After the Second World War he founded the Association of Lunar and Planetary Observers
Association of Lunar and Planetary Observers
The Association of Lunar and Planetary Observers is an international scientific and educational organization established in March, 1947 in the United States by Walter H. Haas, and later incorporated in 1990...
(ALPO) and served there as the executive director between 1947 and the mid-1980s. Since then he has remained a member of the board of directors as the Director Emeritus
Emeritus
Emeritus is a post-positive adjective that is used to designate a retired professor, bishop, or other professional or as a title. The female equivalent emerita is also sometimes used.-History:...
.
He received several awards for his contributions to astronomy
Astronomy
Astronomy is a natural science that deals with the study of celestial objects and phenomena that originate outside the atmosphere of Earth...
: the Astronomical League Award in 1952, the Amateur Achievement Award of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific
Astronomical Society of the Pacific
The Astronomical Society of the Pacific is a scientific and educational organization, founded in San Francisco on February 7, 1889. Its name derives from its origins on the Pacific Coast, but today it has members all over the country and the world...
in 1994 and the Presidential Award of the Astronomical League
Astronomical League
The Astronomical League is an umbrella organization of amateur astronomy societies. Currently their membership consists of over 240 organizations across the United States, along with a number of Members-at-Large, Patrons, and Supporting members....
in 2004.