John9929
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Posts: 1105
Maghaberry, N.Ireland.
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« on: November 18, 2010, 05:43:52 pm » |
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Dear all,
I have just learned that my good friend Brian Marsden passed away eariler today. Brian had been a great friend over many years and had a hand in all the asteroid namings I have done. In fact I had an email from him only last week saying how pleased he was that the evening for 30558 Jamesoconnor went so well and he was delighted to have been involved. I am still in a state of shock at the news, but I know you will want to join me in passing our sincere regrets to his wife and family at this very sad time.
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John9929.
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martinastro
Martin Mc Kenna
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Posts: 5182
Maghera, N. Ireland
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« Reply #1 on: November 18, 2010, 05:59:55 pm » |
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John, you beat me to it, I just read the terrible news on the comets mailing list there now. I truly am shocked and saddened to hear of Brian's passing. He was one of those small number of figures who I have always looked up to, in truth he was a hero of mine, there's no one else with such a phenomenal memory and a true expert on comet and asteroid orbits. He was also known as the Cosmic Cop, - Dr Brian Marsden you will be truly missed, rest in peace. The astronomical world will never forget such a legend! Here's the MPC bulletin... http://www.minorplanetcenter.org/mpec/K10/K10W10.html
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« Last Edit: November 18, 2010, 06:28:38 pm by martinastro »
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davegrennan
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« Reply #2 on: November 18, 2010, 08:49:30 pm » |
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Indeed very sad news. Brian was a very generous man with his time and his amazing and encyclopaedic knowledge. Brian was instrumental in the naming process for my mum's asteroid and I will be forever grateful to him for that. I was shocked when John McC phoned to pass on the sad news. John I know he was a very close personal friend to you and you also have my sympathies at this time.
Ár dheis Dé go raibh a anam dilís.
Dave.
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Paul
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« Reply #3 on: November 18, 2010, 08:56:35 pm » |
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I am sorry to say I never had the honour of meeting Brian, but from his record and the sentiments expressed here it is clear we have lost a dear friend.
Paul.
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Big Dipper
Events
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Posts: 1247
Oxford, UK
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« Reply #4 on: November 19, 2010, 01:19:34 am » |
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Having just read your post John, I, too, am very saddened to hear about the passing of Dr Marsden. Like Paul, I never had the honour of meeting him but often had the pleasure of reading about him in various astronomy publications over the years.
His vast contribution to astronomy will always be remembered and my thoughts are with his family as well as with you John, being a close & personal friend.
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Remember:- If all else fails, read the Instruction Manual! 

Andy
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markt
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« Reply #5 on: November 19, 2010, 07:32:07 am » |
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Saddening news indeed...
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