Pioneer in infrared
astronomy dies at 64

FRED GILLETT / ASTRONOMER

OBITUARIES

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By Helen Altonn
Star-Bulletin

Fred Gillett, 64, was among scientists who dreamed of blotting out the twinkle in stars to get unblurred light for better infrared images of astronomical objects.

He was the principal figure in making that dream a reality with the Gemini Project in Hawaii and Chile.

A pioneer in infrared astronomy, he died Sunday at the University of Washington Medical Center in Seattle after battling a rare bone marrow disorder.

"He was a member of a small group who created infrared astronomy as a science," said Michael Merrill at the National Optical Astronomy Observatory in Tucson, Ariz.

Gillett was project scientist for the International Gemini Observatory -- twin 8-meter telescopes located at Mauna Kea and Cerro Pachon, Chile.

Technology of the Gemini telescopes makes it possible to erase twinkling of stars and prevent distortion to obtain better images.

"Fred played a major role in convincing people to have the Gemini Telescope optimized for infrared astronomy," said Robert McLaren, Hawaii Institute for Astronomy associate director for Mauna Kea.

"He followed through to make sure it was designed and constructed in such a way to fully exploit the capability at Mauna Kea."

He said Gillett, who lived about two years on the Big Island, "was a close personal friend and colleague of many Hawaii astronomers, myself included."

He first worked with Gillett at the Kitt Peak National Observatory in Tucson when he did his first observing run in about 1980, McLaren said. Gillett was support astronomer. "He was extremely helpful, a very competent and professional person."

Gillett was a staff member at the national and Kitt Peak observatories from 1973 to 1989 and, for a period, was Kitt Peak's acting director.

He pioneered exploration of astronomical sources in the thermal infrared, the region where many cool objects such as planets and dust clouds emit much of their light.

His contributions included studies of Saturn, Uranus and Neptune, and observations of the center of the Milky Way and of star-forming regions in the galaxy.

Sidney Wolff of NOAO, first director of the Gemini Project, formerly with the Hawaii Institute of Astronomy, said Gillett "was the one who persuaded the astronomical community that infrared-optimized telescopes should be a top scientific priority.

"Then he carried out the detailed calculations that showed how to build them -- their requirements for telescope design, mirror coatings and instrumental performance. Fred kept us honest."

Gemini director Matt Mountain said he "relied greatly on Fred's rigor, quiet wisdom and friendship to guide us through many difficult times on Gemini. Fred will be greatly missed by all of us. He has left a great void in our hearts and at our observatory."

About half of the Gemini Project is funded by the United States through the National Science Foundation. The Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy Inc. operates the national and Gemini observatories for the foundation.

"Fred was a tremendous asset for the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy," said association President William S. Smith. "His contributions will have a long-lasting impact."

Gillett also was active in space-based astronomy and influenced progress of all major infrared astronomy missions in the last two decades. He received NASA's Exceptional Scientific Achievement Medal in 1984 for his work on infrared astronomy satellites.

When Gillett's eyes weren't on the heavens, they were on the road. He commuted to work on his bike nearly every day and participated in several cross-state rides and cross-country tours.

Survivors include his wife Marian; children Nancy Richardson, Michael Gillett and Danuta Gessner; grandchildren Elizabeth Gillett, Eric Gillett, Alexandra Richardson, Taylor Richardson and Megan Gessner; brother James Gillett; sisters Jeanne Mae Spears and Suzanne Hageman; and mother Elizabeth Gillett.

A memorial service was scheduled for 10:30 a.m. today at Christ Church United Methodist in Tucson.

Donations may be made to: The Marrow Foundation, Frederick Gillett Fund, 400 7th St. NW, Suite 206, Washington, DC 20004.