# Tom Gehrels

> Dutch astronomer (1925–2011)

**Wikidata**: [Q312255](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q312255)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_Gehrels)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/tom-gehrels

## Summary

Tom Gehrels (1925–2011) was a Dutch-born astronomer known for his significant contributions to planetary science and asteroid research. He was a survivor of World War II and later became a prominent figure in astronomy, working primarily at the University of Arizona and maintaining ties to Leiden University in the Netherlands. His work spanned several decades and encompassed the discovery and study of celestial bodies, particularly asteroids and minor planets.

## Biography

- **Born**: February 21, 1925
- **Died**: July 11, 2011
- **Nationality**: Dutch (Netherlands), later also United States citizen
- **Education**: Leiden University (Netherlands), University of Chicago (United States)
- **Known for**: Asteroid and planetary science research; discovery and cataloging of minor planets; contributions to astronomical surveys
- **Employer(s)**: University of Arizona (Tucson, Arizona, United States)
- **Field(s)**: Astronomy, Planetary Science
- **Conflict**: World War II (1939–1945)
- **Occupation**: Astronomer, Resistance fighter (during WWII), Student

## Contributions

Tom Gehrels made substantial contributions to the field of astronomy, particularly in the study of asteroids and minor planets. His work at the University of Arizona positioned him at the forefront of planetary science research in the United States. As an educator and researcher, he contributed to the training of future astronomers and advanced the understanding of celestial bodies within our solar system. His dual affiliation with both European and American academic institutions facilitated international collaboration in astronomical research. The breadth of his work encompassed observational astronomy, planetary surface studies, and the systematic documentation of minor planetary bodies.

## FAQs

**What was Tom Gehrels' educational background?**

Tom Gehrels received his education at Leiden University in the Netherlands, one of the oldest universities in the country founded in 1575, and subsequently pursued further studies at the University of Chicago in the United States.

**Where did Tom Gehrels work as an astronomer?**

Tom Gehrels was primarily employed at the University of Arizona in Tucson, Arizona, a public research university founded in 1885. He maintained connections with Leiden University throughout his career.

**What was Tom Gehrels' involvement in World War II?**

Tom Gehrels was a resistance fighter during World War II (1939–1945), the global conflict that involved many European nations including the Netherlands under German occupation.

**What awards did Tom Gehrels receive?**

Tom Gehrels received the Masursky Award, presented by the Division for Planetary Sciences. This award was established in 1991 and recognizes outstanding contributions to planetary science.

**What was Tom Gehrels' field of work?**

Tom Gehrels worked in the fields of astronomy and planetary science. Astronomy is the natural science dedicated to the study of celestial objects and phenomena originating outside the Earth's atmosphere, while planetary science focuses specifically on planets, moons, and other bodies within solar systems.

## Why They Matter

Tom Gehrels represents the tradition of European-born scientists who contributed significantly to American astronomy during the mid-to-late 20th century. His survival of World War II and subsequent transition to academic astronomy in the United States exemplifies the brain drain of European talent to America during and after the war. His work at the University of Arizona, a major research institution with strong programs in planetary science, helped establish the university as a center for astronomical research. The connections he maintained between European and American astronomical institutions fostered international collaboration in a field that increasingly requires global coordination. His contributions to understanding minor planets and asteroids added to the growing body of knowledge about solar system composition and evolution.

## Notable For

- Dutch-born astronomer who emigrated to the United States
- Long career at the University of Arizona
- Recipient of the Masursky Award from the Division for Planetary Sciences
- Work in asteroid and planetary science research
- Service as a resistance fighter during World War II
- Educational background spanning Leiden University and University of Chicago
- Contributions to the study of minor planets and celestial bodies

## Body

### Early Life and Background

Tom Gehrels was born on February 21, 1925, in the Netherlands. His early life was marked by the turbulent period of World War II, during which the Netherlands was occupied by Nazi Germany from 1940 to 1945. During this conflict, Gehrels served as a resistance fighter, participating in underground efforts against the German occupation. This experience shaped his early adulthood and ultimately influenced his decision to pursue academic opportunities in the United States after the war.

### Education

Gehrels pursued higher education at two distinguished institutions. He attended Leiden University in the Netherlands, one of the oldest universities in the country, founded in 1575 by William the Silent. Leiden University is renowned for its academic excellence, particularly in computer science, mathematics, and the sciences. After his studies in the Netherlands, Gehrels continued his academic journey at the University of Chicago in the United States, a private university established in 1890. This combination of European and American educational experience provided him with a broad perspective on astronomical research and methodology.

### Career and Professional Affiliations

Following his education, Tom Gehrels built his professional career primarily at the University of Arizona in Tucson. The University of Arizona is a public research university founded in 1885, employing approximately 12,734 people and serving over 33,000 students. It has developed strong programs in the sciences, including astronomy and planetary science. Gehrels' position at this institution placed him in one of the premier centers for astronomical research in the United States.

Throughout his career, Gehrels maintained connections to his Dutch roots through affiliations with Leiden University. This transatlantic connection was representative of the broader pattern of scientific exchange between European and American institutions during the latter half of the 20th century.

### Field of Work

Gehrels worked in the fields of astronomy and planetary science. Astronomy, as defined in the source material, is the natural science dedicated to the study of celestial objects and phenomena originating outside the Earth's atmosphere. It is classified as an exact science and a branch of physical science. Planetary science, a sub-discipline of astronomy, focuses specifically on planets, moons, asteroids, and other bodies within our solar system.

The field of astronomy encompasses numerous specialized areas including astrophysics, cosmology, astrometry, celestial mechanics, and astrochemistry. Research in these fields is supported by major organizations such as the International Astronomical Union, founded in 1919, and conducted at institutions worldwide using sophisticated observational and theoretical tools.

### Awards and Recognition

Tom Gehrels received the Masursky Award, presented by the Division for Planetary Sciences of the American Astronomical Society. This award was established in 1991 and recognizes outstanding contributions to the field of planetary science. The award is named in honor of the planetary scientist for whom it is titled, and its presentation to Gehrels indicates recognition of his significant contributions to understanding planetary bodies and processes.

### Personal Background

Gehrels held dual citizenship throughout his adult life, maintaining his Dutch nationality while also becoming a citizen of the United States. This reflected his deep connections to both his country of birth and his country of professional achievement. His life story exemplifies the experiences of many European scientists who contributed to American academic and research institutions during the mid-20th century.

### Legacy

Tom Gehrels' contributions to astronomy and planetary science represented the international nature of scientific research. His work helped advance the understanding of minor planets and asteroids, which are crucial for understanding the formation and evolution of our solar system. The combination of his educational background from Leiden University and the University of Chicago, combined with his professional affiliation with the University of Arizona, positioned him at the intersection of European and American astronomical traditions. His service as a resistance fighter during World War II demonstrated his commitment to fundamental values of freedom and democracy, which later found expression in his pursuit of scientific knowledge and truth.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.nationaalarchief.nl/onderzoeken/index/nt00464/140388b3-bd8b-0c1d-e063-6df0900abf33)
2. Source
3. BnF authorities
4. IdRef
5. Integrated Authority File
6. Virtual International Authority File
7. data.bibliotheken.nl
8. Mathematics Genealogy Project
9. [Source](https://dps.aas.org/prizes/masursky)
10. International Standard Name Identifier
11. Norwegian Authority File: Persons and Corporate Bodies
12. CiNii Research
13. TracesOfWar
14. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
15. Catalogo of the National Library of India