Greenstein, Jesse L. (Jesse Leonard), 1909-2002 (Astrophysicist)

Dates

• Existence: 1909 - 2002

Biographical/Historical

Background: Caltech Professor of Astrophysics, 1948-1980; Executive Officer for Astronomy, 1964-1972.

Biographical/Historical

Description: Jesse Greenstein was brought to Caltech in 1948 to take over the leadership of astronomy at the Institute, particularly the new 200-inch telescope at Mount Palomar. He is credited with building the Caltech astronomy program into one of the premier programs in the nation. During his tenure he continued his research into stellar composition and high resolution spectra using the Palomar telescope. He also became deeply involved in the leadership of the astronomical profession, both as a mentor for a new generation of astronomers and as an administrator for numerous national and professional scientific organizations.

Biographical/Historical

Collection Notes: Oral history, 1982. This 73-page oral history is the result of three interviews and covers a variety of topics related to Greenstein's research and his professional life.

Papers, 1923-1992. Jesse Greenstein's accomplishments are richly documented in this collection, which consists of: forty-five boxes of general correspondence; manuscripts, correspondence and notes on scientific research; papers relating to Mount Wilson and Palomar; papers relating to his affiliations with various institutions and professional organizations; and class and lecture notes.

Collection size: 120 boxes, 50 linear ft.

Finding aid available at the Archives.

Photo of Jesse Greenstein (PhotoNet).

Found in 29 Collections and/or Records: