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THE ASTRONOMER Electronic Circular No 2689      2010 Nov 18 16.28UT
Ed:Guy M Hurst, 16,Westminster Close, Kempshott Rise,  Basingstoke,
Hants, RG22 4PP,England.Telephone/FAX(01256)471074Int:+441256471074
INTERNET: GUY@TAHQ.DEMON.CO.UK      Backup: gmh@wdcc1.bnsc.rl.ac.uk
WORLD WIDE WEB                         http://www.theastronomer.org
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BRIAN GEOFFREY MARSDEN (1937-2010)
It is with the deepest regret that I must advise subscribers of the 
death today (Nov 18) of Brian Marsden a British Astronomer born in 
Cambridge, England and a long-time supporter of amateur astronomers and 
of 'The Astronomer'.

The editor was in contact only a few days ago with Brian as he was 
helping TA by providing copies of this magazine to NASA to enable them 
to be posted on the ADS website and to broaden their availability.

In M.P.E.C. 2010-W10 issued 2010 Nov. 18, 15:41 UT, Gareth Williams 
provides a description of his amazing achievements in the field of 
astronomy. Brian succeeded Dr. Owen Gingerich as the CBAT director in 
1968 and was later joined by Daniel Green as a student assistant. It was 
through his work at the Central Bureau and the TA editor's appointment 
in 1975 that regular contact was established in an effort to filter 
false alarms and ensure only genuine discoveries reached Brian. He 
visited TAHQ and other successful amateur astronomers in the UK on a 
number of occasions which illustrated his enormous support for the 
PRO-AM cause.

Dr. Marsden married Nancy Lou Zissell, of Trumbull, Connecticut, on 1964 
December 26, and fathered Cynthia (who is married to Gareth Williams, 
still MPC associate director), of Arlington, Massachusetts; and 
Jonathan, of San Mateo, California.  There are three Californian 
grandchildren, Nikhilas, Nathaniel and Neena.  A sister, Sylvia 
Custerson, continues to reside in Cambridge, England.

A detailed obituary will appear in the next issue of 'The Astronomer'.

We extend our sincere condolences to all members of his family.

Guy M Hurst