August Kopff facts for kids
August Kopff (born February 5, 1882 – died April 25, 1960) was a German astronomer. He was famous for finding many comets and asteroids. He discovered 68 minor planets, which are small objects orbiting the Sun.
Early Life and Career
August Kopff studied and worked in Heidelberg, Germany. He earned his PhD degree there in 1906. Later, he joined the Humboldt University of Berlin. There, he became the Director of the Institute for Astronomical Calculation. This was a very important job in the world of astronomy.
Discoveries in Space
Kopff discovered several comets. These include the periodic comet 22P/Kopff, which means it returns to our view regularly. He also found the non-periodic comet C/1906 E1.
He found many asteroids too. Two of his most famous asteroid discoveries are the Trojan asteroids 617 Patroclus and 624 Hektor. Trojan asteroids are special because they share an orbit with a larger planet, like Jupiter. They stay in stable points ahead of or behind the planet.
Named in His Honor
To honor his important work, several things in space are named after him.
- The lunar crater Kopff on the Moon is named after him.
- The asteroid 1631 Kopff also carries his name.
- Another minor planet, 805 Hormuthia, is named after his wife, Hormuth.
Images for kids
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542 Susanna
One of the many minor planets discovered by August Kopff.
See also
In Spanish: August Kopff para niños
