Dimitri Mihalas facts for kids

Dimitri Manuel Mihalas (born March 20, 1939 – died November 21, 2013) was a brilliant scientist. He worked at the Los Alamos National Laboratory in the United States. His work focused on astronomy, astrophysics, and understanding stellar atmospheres. Stellar atmospheres are the outer layers of stars. Dimitri was born in Los Angeles, California, and had Greek family roots.

Dimitri Mihalas's Early Life and Education

Dimitri Mihalas loved learning from a young age. He went to the University of California, Los Angeles. In 1959, he earned his first degree in physics, mathematics, and astronomy.

Advanced Studies in Science

Just one year later, in 1960, Dimitri earned his master's degree. He studied at the California Institute of Technology. He continued his studies there and, by 1963, he had completed his PhD. This is the highest university degree you can get. He earned it in physics and astronomy.

Amazing Achievements in Astronomy

Dimitri Mihalas was very talented. When he was only 42 years old, he became a member of the National Academy of Sciences. This is a very special group of top scientists in the United States. Being invited to join means you are one of the best in your field.

Important Books on Stars

Besides writing many scientific papers, Dimitri Mihalas also wrote important books. These books helped other scientists learn more about space. One of his most famous books was called "Stellar Atmospheres." It taught a lot about the outer parts of stars.

Here are some of the scientific books he wrote or helped write:

• Galactic Astronomy (1968)
• Stellar Atmospheres (1970 and 1978)
• Galactic Astronomy: Structure and Kinematics of Galaxies (1981)
• Foundations of Radiation Hydrodynamics (1984)