Goldberg, Leo (1913–1987)

US astrophysicist whose main subject of research was the Sun. Goldberg studied the composition of stellar atmospheres and the dynamics of the loss of mass from cool stars.

At Harvard University, Massachusetts, Goldberg and his colleagues designed an instrument that could function as either a mass spectrograph or a spectroheliograph (a device to photograph the Sun using monochromatic light). This formed part of the equipment of the Orbital Solar Observatory IV, launched in 1967. His solar research also embraced temperature variations and the chemical composition of the Sun and of its atmosphere, in which he succeeded in detecting carbon monoxide.

Born in Brooklyn, New York State, Goldberg studied at Harvard where, after an intervening period of 23 years at the University of Michigan, he was also professor 1960–73. He was director of Harvard College Observatory 1966–71 and was director of the Kitt Peak National Observatory in Arizona from 1971–77.