Philosophy
Fred Haddock
1920 to February 20th, 2009
Fred Haddock described himself in modest terms.
"I'm just a guy interested in most things," he told an Ann Arbor News reporter in 2000.
But Haddock, a University of Michigan professor emeritus of astronomy, was a pioneer in radio astronomy (he designed U-M's radio telescope at Peach Mountain near Dexter) and an early rocket scientist. He also contributed to the Allies' victory in the Pacific in World War II.
Haddock died of lung cancer Feb. 20 at his Ann Arbor home. He was 89.
While working at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, D.C., Haddock designed and developed the first submarine periscope radar antenna used extensively in the Pacific to sink Japanese supply and fuel ships.
When the war ended, he turned to astronomy and detected radio emissions for the Orion and other nebulae.
In 1956, Haddock accepted a position at U-M as the founder and director of the Radio Astronomy Observatory at Peach Mountain, off of North Territorial Road, northwest of Dexter.
"He was the person who established radio astronomy in the observatory at Michigan, and was one of the leaders in the field in the '40s and '50s," said U-M Astronomy Professor Hugh Aller, who was a student of Haddock's before joining the faculty.
The 85-foot radio telescope Haddock designed at Peach Mountain was used to make the first radio detection of Mercury, and the first measurement of Saturn. It is still in use today.
Haddock also taught classes in electrical engineering, and - as a rocket scientist - served on numerous NASA and Goddard Space Flight Center committees and panels.
His extensive resume also includes publishing dozens of books and articles and numerous memberships and professional affiliations.
"He was a very impressive guy; a big guy with a booming bass voice, and a quick mind," said Charles R. Cowley, U-M astronomy professor emeritus. "He was extremely knowledgeable in all sorts of different fields; intellectually curious."
He was a member of the Huron Valley Chapter of the American Institute of Architects.
Haddock is survived by his wife, Deborah Fredericks, sons Thomas and Richard, and four grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held April 5 at 11 a.m. at the Michigan League on the U-M campus, 911 N. University.
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- Arthur Kennelly Or Karl Jansky...first Radio Telescope
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Philosophy
Deceased--Fred Haddock
Fred Haddock1920 to February 20th, 2009
"University of Michigan pioneer astronomer Fred Haddock dies; he designed radio telescope at Peach Mountain"
by
Jo Mathis
March 3rd, 2009
The Ann Arbor News
by
Jo Mathis
March 3rd, 2009
The Ann Arbor News
Fred Haddock described himself in modest terms.
"I'm just a guy interested in most things," he told an Ann Arbor News reporter in 2000.
But Haddock, a University of Michigan professor emeritus of astronomy, was a pioneer in radio astronomy (he designed U-M's radio telescope at Peach Mountain near Dexter) and an early rocket scientist. He also contributed to the Allies' victory in the Pacific in World War II.
Haddock died of lung cancer Feb. 20 at his Ann Arbor home. He was 89.
While working at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, D.C., Haddock designed and developed the first submarine periscope radar antenna used extensively in the Pacific to sink Japanese supply and fuel ships.
When the war ended, he turned to astronomy and detected radio emissions for the Orion and other nebulae.
In 1956, Haddock accepted a position at U-M as the founder and director of the Radio Astronomy Observatory at Peach Mountain, off of North Territorial Road, northwest of Dexter.
"He was the person who established radio astronomy in the observatory at Michigan, and was one of the leaders in the field in the '40s and '50s," said U-M Astronomy Professor Hugh Aller, who was a student of Haddock's before joining the faculty.
The 85-foot radio telescope Haddock designed at Peach Mountain was used to make the first radio detection of Mercury, and the first measurement of Saturn. It is still in use today.
Haddock also taught classes in electrical engineering, and - as a rocket scientist - served on numerous NASA and Goddard Space Flight Center committees and panels.
His extensive resume also includes publishing dozens of books and articles and numerous memberships and professional affiliations.
"He was a very impressive guy; a big guy with a booming bass voice, and a quick mind," said Charles R. Cowley, U-M astronomy professor emeritus. "He was extremely knowledgeable in all sorts of different fields; intellectually curious."
He was a member of the Huron Valley Chapter of the American Institute of Architects.
Haddock is survived by his wife, Deborah Fredericks, sons Thomas and Richard, and four grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held April 5 at 11 a.m. at the Michigan League on the U-M campus, 911 N. University.
- Rip Granny D
Sad news today. Doris Haddock, better known as Granny D, passed away. She is best known as an advocate for campaign finance reform who walked across the country from Los Angeles to Washington D.C. as a spry 90 year old to try to raise awareness of the...
- Arthur Kennelly Or Karl Jansky...first Radio Telescope
"That Time Thomas Edison Almost Invented the Radio Telescope" by Ron Miller September 23rd, 2013 io9 In 1890, Arthur Kennelly, an electrical engineer working for Thomas Edison, wrote a letter to the director of the Lick Observatory. He described an interesting...
- Deceased--donald C. Backer
Donald C. Backer November 9th, 1943 to July 25th, 2010 [Wikipedia lists "July 25th"; article lists "July 21st".] "UC Berkeley astronomer Don Backer dies" by David Perlman July 31st, 2010| San Francisco Chronicle UC Berkeley astronomer Don Backer, who...
- Deceased--bill Gordon
Bill Gordon January 8th, 1918 to February 16th, 2010 "Former Cornell prof, father of the Arecibo telescope, dies" Februrary 18th, 2010 The Ithaca Journal.com A former Cornell University professor best known for his contribution to the creation of the...
- Deceased--ronald A. Parise
Ronald A. Parise May 24th, 1951 - May 9th, 2008 "Former astronaut, UV imaging telescope specialist dies" by Richard Stewart May 11th, 2008 Houston Chronicle Former space shuttle payload specialist Ronald Parise died at his home in Silver Springs,...