Alexander Dalgarno, Phillips Professor of Astronomy at
Harvard University and Senior Research Physicist at Smithsonian
Astrophysical Observatory, has made seminal contributions to
our understanding of atomic and molecular structure and
spectroscopy, and processes involving interactions of
atoms and molecules with electrons, ions, and radiation.
Over
a span of more than five decades he has applied his deep insight
regarding physics
on the atomic scale to the physics of astronomical environments,
as well as the atmospheres of the earth and solar system planets.
Dalgarno has educated and worked with literally
hundreds of students, postdoctoral fellows and scientific
collaborators. He has played an important leadership role in
the theoretical atomic, molecular and optical physics community
by creating the Institute for Theoretical Atomic, Molecular and
Optical Physics, funded by the National Science Foundation.
This Symposium, in celebration of his 80th Birthday this year,
features highlights of his on-going scientific legacy.
