Dmitry Dubyago

On October 3, 1849, Dmitry Dubyago, Russian astronomer, rector of Kazan University was born.

Personal business

Dmitry Ivanovich Dubyago (1849–1918) was born in the Mstislavl of the Mogilev province in a family belonging to an ancient but impoverished noble family. He graduated from the city gymnasium in 1868 with a gold medal and entered the Physics and Mathematics Department of St. Petersburg University. He earned his life with private lessons, also receiving a scholarship for "excellent zeal in his studies."

Already a student of Dubyago was actively engaged in astronomical observations in the Pulkovo observatory. In 1871, Dubyago was awarded the Golden Medal of St. Petersburg University for the work "On Spectral Analysis in Application to Astronomical Observations." Having defended a diploma with honors, the scientist remained at the university for another two years to prepare for the rank of professor. In 1875, the Dubyago became a member of the International Astronomical Society, in the 78th he receives the title of Master of Astronomy and Geodesy for the study of the orbit of Triton-the satellite of Neptune, and in the 81st-a doctoral degree for the dissertation "Theory of Movement of the Planet Diana".

At the end of 1884, Dubyago took the place of the director of the observatory and professor of astronomy of the famous Kazan University. Under his leadership, the staff of the observatory was expanded, the computing bureau was organized, and the regular issue of collections of the works of the observatory began. At this post, Dubyago was able to strengthen and expand the connections of the observatory with other astronomical institutions around the world. The Kazan Observatory was included in planned international works.

In 1890, Dubyago became the dean of the Faculty of Physics and Mathematics. Despite the increased administrative burden, he almost only taught astronomy, and besides the compulsory course, he also read special, as well as lectures on geodesy.

In 1899, Dubyago became the rector of the university. At this point, the question arose about the construction of a new observatory - the fast urbanization of Kazan became a serious obstacle to further observations (dust, soot, lighting of the building that cover the horizon) - however, the university observatory must be preserved for educational purposes. Friendship between Dubyago and Dr. Astronomy Vasily Engelhardt, who handed over his instruments (some of which is still “in service”), played a role, and also donated a large amount of money. On September 21, 1901, a new “Forest Observatory” was solemnly opened, in honor of the donor called “Engelhardtovskaya”.

Under the leadership of the Dubyago, the university took an active part in the social and cultural life of Russia-the work of the Russian literature society was resumed, student circles (in particular, physical, mathematical and musical) were organized, which were not even at that time in the capital's universities.

For active participation in the activities of the Red Cross Society during the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-1905, Dubyago received the red cross medal and the right to wear the organization’s sign.

On September 6, 1905, in connection with the shaken health of Dubyago, he was forced to resign from the river's post. Next year, he was promoted to secret advisers and approved with the rank of Honored Ordinary Professor. Both city observatories still remained under his jurisdiction.

Dmitry Dubyago did not become on October 22, 1918 during the most massive flu (Spanishness ”in the history of Pandemia.

What is famous

During his work at Kazan University, Dmitry Dubyago organized scientific expeditions on the observation of complete sunny eclipses in Russia - in 1887, 1896, 1912 and 1914. He managed three of them personally. The most famous was a trip to the New Land in 1896, during which pictures and sketches of the sunny crown were obtained.

What you need to know about

In 1893, Dubyago headed the commission for celebrations for the 100th anniversary of Nikolai Lobachevsky. The collected donations made it possible not only to establish a bonus, but also to erect a monument to the great geometer in front of the university building (in 1896).

Dubago repeatedly represented the university in various delegations. In particular, he was delegated to the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Pulkovo Observatory, the 200th anniversary of the University of Paduan, the 300th anniversary of Galileo Galileo, the 600th anniversary of the Francesco Petrarch.

In the era of student unrest, the beginning of the century, Dubyago, by all means sought to protect the university from the rampant of political elements, considering it as a citadel of science. He has always been very attentive to the needs of the student. With his direct assistance, a student dormitory for 150 seats was built. Many in need of students were provided with scholarships, the money for which Kazan and even residents of other cities were donated to close ones who graduated from Kazan University. The total number of scholarships or one -time payments reached 300 per year.

Direct speech

On the appointment of the director of the observatory: “I am completely pleased with the place offered to me, I consider this post important and quite satisfying me in scientific terms. The observatory in Kazan, after Pulkov, is the best, in any case not lower than Moscow, and without any doubt, above all others. ”

About student unrest: “A bunch of students burst into the crowded hall and first timidly, and then shouted loudly“ Down with the inspection, Down with autocracy ”, etc. And she began to make her speech. I announced a break, went into the crowd, stopping the speakers, offering to clean the hall, and they, in turn, crowded me back. Then they ran out to the square, there they launched a red banner with the same inscription, but were scattered by the police. Then the cases in court and at the university began. This was a trial in which the rector was supposed to play the role of an investigator, witness and judge under the threat of official liability. Had to bear moral responsibility for the sole decision. You will understand the whole difficulty of the situation and my mood if you imagine a lot of students hostile against everything that is now a representative of the authorities. I wanted to get out of the rectors, but, having talked with the trustee, I found that it would be unseemly on my part to make the state of things even more. ”

About rector work: “I have dedicated the 17 best years of the life of administrative activities. All these years I built, corrected, remade, improved, without a single late year, not a single long leisure for personal scientific work. According to the beautiful and true comparison - I was not a passenger on my ship and not a captain, but a permanent steering wheel. "

6 facts about Dmitry Dubyago

• The traveler of Neptune, the Triton, studied by Dmitry Dubyago, is the only one in the solar system that has a retrograde rotation (in a direction opposite to his own movement).
• Dmitry Dubyago invited all observatory to join the publications, which helped to quickly collect a good library at the Kazan observatory.
• Based on the observations of Kazan astronomers conducted in 1869-1892, Dmitry Dubago compiled a coordinate catalog of 4281 stars.
• According to his last will, Dmitry Dubago was buried in a crypt in the territory of the Engelhard Observatory; The remains of Engelhardt himself, who died in Dresden, were also transferred there.
• The son of Dmitry Dubyago Alexander followed in the footsteps of his father and became the founder of the Kazan comet school.
• In honor of the father and son of Dubyago, a large crater is named on the visible side of the moon.

Materials about Dmitry Dubyago

Dubyago Dmitry Ivanovich, scientist and astronomer (1884–1918)

Article about Dmitry Dubyago on Wikipedia

Space memorial. Dmitry Dubyago