Hans Pettersson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Hans Pettersson
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Hans Pettersson around 1939
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| Born | 26 August 1888 Forshälla, Gothenburg and Bohus County
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| Died | 25 January 1966 (aged 77) |
| Alma mater | Institute for Radium Research, Vienna |
| Awards | Fellow of the Royal Society (1956) Member of Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences |
Hans Pettersson (1888–1966) was a Swedish scientist. He was a physicist and an oceanographer. He spent his life studying the ocean and its secrets.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Hans Pettersson was born in Forshälla, near Gothenburg, Sweden. This was on August 26, 1888. His father, Otto Pettersson, was also a famous chemist and oceanographer.
Hans studied science at Uppsala University. He finished his studies there in 1909. After that, he went to Vienna to study atomic physics. He learned about tiny particles like radium.
Exploring the Ocean's Secrets
Hans Pettersson used his knowledge of radium to study the ocean. He found a way to figure out how old sediment samples were. These samples came from the very bottom of the sea. This was a big step in understanding Earth's history.
In 1913, he started working for the Swedish Hydrographic-Biological Commission. A year later, in 1914, he began teaching about oceanography. He taught at Gothenburg University.
Pettersson became the first full professor of oceanography in Sweden. In 1938, he started the Institute of Oceanography in Gothenburg. This was possible thanks to money from the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation. He led this institute until 1956. He also managed the Bornö Hydrographic Field Station.
In 1956, when he was 68, he became a professor in Geophysics. This was at the University of Hawaii.
Adventures and Discoveries
Hans Pettersson also wrote many books for everyone to read. These books helped people learn about new discoveries in oceanography. He made science exciting for a wider audience.
In July 1947, Pettersson led a big journey called the Albatross expedition. This expedition sailed all around the world. He planned the whole trip himself. Private sponsors helped pay for this amazing adventure.
Hans Pettersson passed away in Gothenburg on January 25, 1966.
Awards and Recognition
Hans Pettersson received many awards for his important work.
- In 1947, he became an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh.
- In 1948, he was chosen as a member of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences.
- In 1949, he received the Patron's Medal from the Royal Geographical Society.
- In 1956, he was elected a Foreign Member of the Royal Society of London.
