Aleksandr Aleksandrov (mathematician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Aleksandr Aleksandrov
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| Алекса́ндр Дани́лович Алекса́ндров | |
A. D. Aleksandrov in 1954
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| Born | 4 August 1912 |
| Died | 27 July 1999 (aged 86) |
| Nationality | Soviet Union |
| Alma mater | Leningrad State University |
| Known for | Geometry and Physics |
| Children | 2 |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Mathematics, Physics |
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Aleksandr Danilovich Aleksandrov (Russian: Алекса́ндр Дани́лович Алекса́ндров) (1912–1999) was an important Russian scientist. He was a brilliant mathematician and physicist. He also loved philosophy and was a skilled mountaineer.
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Aleksandr Aleksandrov's Early Life
Aleksandr Aleksandrov was born in 1912 in a place called Volyn. His father was a school principal in St Petersburg. His mother was also a teacher at that school. So, Aleksandr grew up mostly in St Petersburg.
He came from an old Russian family. He loved poetry and even wrote some himself. He also enjoyed translating poems. Aleksandrov traveled a lot, visiting countries like India, the US, and many in Europe. In 1937, he married Marianna Leonidovna Georg. They had two children, Daria and Daniil.
Aleksandrov's Scientific Journey
Aleksandr Aleksandrov studied at Leningrad State University. He focused on physics there. His main teachers were Vladimir Fock, a physicist, and Boris Delaunay, a mathematician.
In 1933, Aleksandrov started working at the State Optical Institute. At the same time, he taught at the university. He earned his first advanced degree (Ph.D.) in 1935. Then, in 1937, he completed another important degree (D.Sc.).
He became a professor at the university. He also worked at the Leningrad Department of the Steklov Mathematical Institute. From 1952 to 1964, Aleksandrov was the rector (like a president) of the university. He was the youngest rector ever there. He was very popular with students and staff.
In 1964, Aleksandrov moved to Novosibirsk. He led the Geometry Laboratory at the Institute of Mathematics. He also taught at Novosibirsk State University. In 1986, he returned to Saint Petersburg. He continued to lead the geometry lab there.
Aleksandrov's most important work was in differential geometry and physics. His work in geometry is considered incredibly important. Some experts say it's second only to the famous mathematician Gauss.
Awards and Recognition
Aleksandr Aleksandrov received many important awards for his work.
- Stalin Prize (1942)
- Lobachevsky International Prize (1951)
- Euler Gold Medal (1992)
In 1990, he received a special award. This award was for his efforts to protect the science of genetics. At the time, a false science called Lysenkoism was supported by the government. Aleksandrov helped keep real science alive.
Aleksandrov's Writings
Aleksandrov wrote many books and scientific papers. He also wrote textbooks for students of all ages. One of his famous books is Convex Polyhedra. It was first published in Russian in 1950. It was later translated into English in 2005.
He also wrote non-mathematical papers. These included stories about famous scientists. He also wrote essays about the moral values of science.
Aleksandrov's Students
Aleksandrov was a dedicated teacher. He had many students who went on to become important scientists. Some of his students sadly died fighting in World War II.
He taught students from many different places. These included students from Ukraine, Georgia, and Germany. Some of his most famous students include Aleksei Pogorelov and Grigori Perelman. Perelman later solved a very difficult math problem called the Poincaré conjecture.
Aleksandrov often worked on research with his students. He even worked with some of his students' students. This shows how much he loved sharing knowledge.
Aleksandrov the Mountaineer
Aleksandrov loved mountain climbing. His teacher, Boris Delaunay, inspired him to start. In 1937, after finishing his D.Sc. degree, he made his first climb to the Chotchi summit. He also climbed Bu-Ul'gen, which was one of the first "wall climbs" in Soviet climbing history.
In 1940, he took part in a record-breaking mountain crossing. During this trip, he saved a friend from falling. This achievement helped him earn the title of "alpinist sports master" in 1949.
Even when he was the university rector, he encouraged mountain climbing. He actively joined in climbs with students. For his 50th birthday, Aleksandrov celebrated in the mountains. He made a solo climb of an unnamed peak in the Pamir. He suggested it be named "The peak of the Leningrad university."
Later, health problems stopped him from climbing often. But he never stopped dreaming of the mountains. In 1982, for his 70th birthday, he made his last climb. He climbed the Panfilov Peak in Tian Shan.
See Also
- List of Russian mathematicians
- List of Soviet physicists
