Monday 7 February 2011

Sad news: Walter Steiger of UH Hilo

On Sunday 6th Feb, Professor Walter Steiger, astronomer, was killed in a traffic accident in Hilo. I didn't know Walt very well, I only met him a couple of times, but it's clear that he was a well-loved person in both the astronomy and local communities and his passing has shocked and saddened everyone.

Walt was a pioneer in astronomy and was extremely influential in bringing modern astronomy to Hawaii and making it one of the most important places in the world for observational astronomy. Many of us working here now probably owe our current careers to Walt so this is especially sad news to our community. I'm sure all those connected with astronomy in Hawaii, those that were taught by him and those that simply met him will be thinking of Walt, his family and friends.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Yes, when I saw this story online yesterday, I immediately thought of you and wondered how you were taking it. Too bad this happened.

Keera Ann Fox said...

So sorry, Tom. It's always such a shock when it's a sudden accident.