Prominent Armenian Astrophysicist Grigor Gurzadyan Dies at 91

YEREVAN (Armenianow.com) — Prominent Armenian scientist, astrophysicist Grigor Gurzadian has died at the age of 91. By a decision of Armenian Prime Minister Tigran Sarkisian, a government commission headed by Minister of Education and Science Armen Ashotian has been set up for the organization of the funeral of Gurzadian, who was a member of the National Academy of Sciences of Armenia and the International Astronomical Union.

Premier Sargkisian also offered condolences to the family, relatives, friends, colleagues and pupils of Gurzadian. He described Gurzadian as “one of the greatest Armenians of our times.”

“A scientist whose legacy is enormous in the development of Armenian scientific thought,” said Sarkisian, according to the government press service.

Gurzadian predicted magnetic fields in planetary nebulae in the 1960s, which were actually discovered in 2005 (Jordan, Werner, O’Toole). He authored theoretical papers on flare stars (predicted negative infrared flares), interstellar matter, binary stars. In 1990s he developed the theory of common chromospheres (roundchromes) of close binary stars and of evolution of binary globular clusters.

For decades he lectured in Yerevan State University (theoretical astrophysics, celestial mechanics) and in Yerevan Polytechnic Institute (precise mechanics). He is also known as an original painter and for his essays on philosophy of science and art.