Takeshi Oka facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Takeshi Oka
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|---|---|
| 岡 武史 | |
| Born | 1932 |
| Nationality | Canada |
| Citizenship | Canada U.S. |
| Alma mater | University of Tokyo |
| Known for | Discovering the Trihydrogen cation (H3+) Hydronium Methanium |
| Awards | Earle K. Plyler Prize (1982) William F. Meggers Award (1997) Ellis R. Lippincott Award (1998) E. Bright Wilson Award in Spectroscopy (2002) Davy Medal (2004) |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Astrochemistry |
| Institutions | University of Tokyo National Research Council of Canada University of Chicago |
| Academic advisors | Gerhard Herzberg |
| Doctoral students | Moungi Bawendi |
Takeshi Oka (born 1932) is a famous Japanese-American scientist. He is a spectroscopist, which means he studies how light interacts with matter. He is also an astronomer, someone who studies stars and space.
Dr. Oka is known for being a pioneer in astrochemistry. This is a special field that combines astronomy and chemistry. He helped discover something very important called the trihydrogen cation (H3+). This tiny molecule is found in space.
He is currently a distinguished professor at the University of Chicago. He works in the departments of Astronomy, Astrophysics, and Chemistry.
Contents
Becoming a Scientist
Takeshi Oka studied at the University of Tokyo in Japan. He earned his first degree in 1955. Then, he completed his PhD in 1960.
Dr. Oka's Career Journey
After finishing his studies, Dr. Oka worked as a research fellow. From 1960 to 1963, he was at the University of Tokyo. In 1963, he moved to Canada. He joined a special lab at the National Research Council of Canada. There, he worked with other famous scientists like Harry Kroto.
He continued his research at the National Research Council of Canada until 1981. After that, he joined the University of Chicago. His research team studies how tiny particles called molecular ions behave. They also look at how these particles act in space.
Discovering H3+
In 1980, while at the National Research Council of Canada, Dr. Oka made a big discovery. He found the infrared spectrum of H3+. Think of an infrared spectrum as a unique fingerprint for a molecule. This discovery was a huge step for understanding chemistry in space.
Scientists believe H3+ is very important. It helps start many chemical reactions in giant clouds of gas and dust in space. These clouds are called "molecular clouds." Later, Dr. Oka and his team found H3+ in these clouds. They have published many papers about their findings.
Awards and Honors
Dr. Oka has received many important awards for his work. These awards show how much his discoveries have helped science.
Major Awards
- 2004 - Davy Medal: A very old and respected award from the UK.
- 2002 - E. Bright Wilson Award in Spectroscopy: For his work in spectroscopy.
- 1998 - Ellis R. Lippincott Award: For his contributions to vibrational spectroscopy.
- 1997 - William F. Meggers Award: Another award for his work with light and molecules.
- 1982 - Earle K. Plyler Prize for Molecular Spectroscopy: An award for studying molecules using light.
Special Titles and Lectures
Dr. Oka has also been invited to give many special lectures. He has received honorary degrees from universities. These honors show his impact on the scientific community.
- 2004 - Honorary DSc from the University College London.
- 2001 - Honoris causa, University of Waterloo.
- 1992 - Special Issue, Journal of Molecular Spectroscopy, Vol. 153.
Being a Member of Science Groups
Dr. Oka is a member of several important scientific groups. Being a "Fellow" means he is recognized as a leading expert in his field.
- Fellow, American Academy of Arts and Sciences
- Fellow, American Physical Society
- Fellow, Optical Society of America
- Fellow, Royal Society of London
- Fellow, Royal Society of Canada
