Satio Hayakawa 1923–1992

Satio Hayakawa 1923–1992

IN MEMORIAM SAT10 HWAIUWA 1923-1992 Satio Hayakawa, President and Professor Emeritus of Nagoya University, passed away on 5 February 1992, at the age...

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IN MEMORIAM SAT10 HWAIUWA 1923-1992

Satio Hayakawa, President and Professor Emeritus of Nagoya University, passed away on 5 February 1992, at the age of 68. Professor Hayakawa was born in Fukui, Japan on 16 October 1923, and graduated from the University of Tokyo in 1945. He was trained in Physics and at first did research in theoretical nuclear physics and elementary particles. In the early 1950s his interest moved to cosmic rays. He studied the abundances of heavy elements in cosmic rays in connection with stellar evolution, and proposed the supernova origin of cosmic rays. This idea which was also proposed by Ginzburg at about the same time has been widely accepted. He also investigated high-energy interactions of cosmic rays with interstellar matter, and predicted the significance of electrons and gamma rays in cosmic rays. He was among the first to emphasize the importance of gamma-ray astronomy. Professor Hayakawa played a leading role in promoting space science in Japan. Right after the discovery of X-ray astronomy, he founded an X-ray astronomy group at Nagoya University in the early 1960s and directed a number of balloon and sounding rocket experiments. He actively conducted theoretical work in X-ray astronomy, and was the first to propose that X-ray emission was the result of mass transfer in binary systems. He also performed extensive research with the orbiting X-ray observatories Hakucho, Tenma and Ginga. L

Besides X-ray astronomy, Professor Hayakawa had strong interests in other fields of astronomy. He took a leading role in building up infrared astronomy in Japan. He founded an infrared astronomy group at Nagoya University and conducted near infrared balloon observations of the Milky Way as well as submillimetre sounding rocket observations of the universe. He was not only an excellent scientist, but also a great teacher. He was very warm-hearted, however strict and candid in discussing science. His enthusiasm in understanding nature inspired young students. Many excellent scientists grew up under his influence. Professor Hayakawa, with his broad vision of the whole field of basic science made many invaluable contributions in Japan to scientific knowledge not only in space science, but also in astronomy in general, plasma physics, and elementary particle physics. Professor Hayakawa was very active until his death; one scientific paper which was still in progress was found on his desk. We are deeply saddened by the loss of this great scientist. Y. Tanaka The international community of space scientists has been deeply affected by the passing of Professor Hayakawa. His scientific achievements, in which his native country may take pride, were greatly appreciated by his colleagues world-wide with whom he had collaborated over so many years. Considered one of the brightest astronomers of his generation, he was unusually open to and active in new directions of astronomical research. COSPAR rues the loss of this outstanding scientist, particularly since he has had ties with our Committee almost since its inception. His colleagues will remember him not only as an authority in his fields of research, but also as a distinguished and kind person. His presence will be sorely missed at future COSPAR meetings. During the coming World Space Congress in Washington DC, the symposium on ‘Recent Results From X-Ray and EUV Astronomy’ will be devoted to his memory. Z. Niemirowicz COSPAR Executive Secretary

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