Olaf Hassel

by Jeffrey Roberts

Introduction

I picked this astronomer because I have a interest in the skies and stars. When I read about Hassel, I became fascinated with the fact that he had accomplished so much as a deaf person in that time period. I was also surprised that he was able to study in a country that was next door to severe problems such as the World Wars I and II. I find it amazing that Hassel was able to do this. After reading the section on him, I deeply admire him.

About Olaf Hassel

Olaf Hassel was born in Norway in 1898. Hassell was an astronomer and was interested in the heavens. The main reason why he turned to study the skies was due to a shortage of oil during World War I. The shortage caused school to open late in 1914. Bec ause school opened late, Hassel had more free time to study the constelations. He was helped by his older brother who had experience. While at home,as his hearing family spent most of the night hours talking and having converstaions, Olaf spent much of hi s time outside studying the stars with a crude telescope.

Hassel had been born deaf and attended school at Christiania Public School for the Deaf. After Hassel completed grammar school, he went on to work for the Meteorological Institution for 27 years. During his time of work he was awarded many grants from t he Nansen Foundation. Hassel was known for many photographs made of polar auroras and other phenomena. He also discovered "Comet Jurlof-Achmarof-Hassel" in 1939, and the "Hercules Nova" in 1960. Hassel was awarded by several groups of people and was giv en a gold medal from the King of Norway. He was also elected as an honorary member of the Norwegian Astronomical Society three yeara before his death in 1972.

Reference

Lang, Harry G., Silence of the Spheres: The Deaf Experience in the History of Science, Bergin & Garvey, Westport, Connecticut, 1994