DR. DAVID V. ZAITSCHEK (1904-1990): AN ISRAELI VISIONARY ASTRONOMICAL OUTREACH PIONEER
- Paper number
IAC-15,E4,3,3,x29492
- Author
Mr. Oded Avraham, Israeli Astronomical Association, United States
- Coauthor
Mr. Tal Inbar, The Fisher Institute for Air and Space Strategic Studies, Israel
- Coauthor
Dr. Igal Patel, Cosmos Telescopes, Israel
- Year
2015
- Abstract
This paper will pay tribute to a true pioneer in the field of public outreach – the founder of the Israeli Astronomical Association, Dr. David Zaitscek. Slovakian-born, Dr. Zaitschek, was a trained botanist and a bacteriologist when he immigrated in 1934 to the future State-of-Israel. Shortly after arrival, Dr. Zaitschek assumed a relevant position in the world-renowned Agricultural Research Organization, (1925), located in Rehovot, Israel. In 1936, Dr. Zaitschek relocated to Jerusalem to take a position at the Hebrew University. Not long after, Dr. Zaitschek became the manager of the on-campus botanical laboratories. In 1951, Dr. Zaitschek founded the Jerusalem Amateur Astronomers Club, along with Dr. Edgar Heilbroner and Dr. Joseph Zmora. In 1952, Dr. Zaitschek established a provisional astronomical observatory, which 2nd-hand telescope was donated by an overseas amateur. In 1953, under the blessing of the-then prime-minister Mr. David Ben-Gurion, the Club was re-affirmed to become the Israeli Astronomical Association (IAA). Still active today, the IAA is a nation-wide organization aimed to advocate Space and Astronomy for the benefit of future generations. In 1956, Dr. Zaitschek lead the establishment of the first planetarium in Israel, located at the new campus of the Hebrew university of Jerusalem. The building and instruments were donated by Mr. Nachum Ze'ev Williams, an affluent patron. Dr. Zaitschek voluntarily operated the planetarium for over 30 years, and was later replaced by his students. Some of his students, who were also IAA members, have since achieved high tenured research positions in physics and related sciences both locally and globally. Dr. Zaitschek authored the long-lasting bi-weekly publication of the IAA, reporting on Space-related advancements from 1957 to present times.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
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