Boris V. Somov

Russian Federation

1945-2022


Obituary:

Professor Boris Vsevolodovich Somov (born 7 January 1945), an outstanding Russian scientist, a recognized expert in the physics of solar and cosmic plasmas, suddenly passed away on 2 December 2022 in Moscow.

Boris Somov graduated from the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology and then worked at the Theoretical department of the Lebedev Physical Institute under the supervision of Sergei Ivanovich Syrovatskii, who predetermined his scientific passion—the physics of solar flares and the theory of magnetic reconnection. As part of a team of the Physical Institute, Boris Somov was awarded the State Prize of the USSR for the series of studies entitled “Current-sheet dynamics and solar activity” published in 1966–1980. In the early 1990s, he moved to the Lomonosov Moscow State University, where he headed the Solar-Physics Department of the Shternberg Astronomical institute. In parallel with his research activities, Boris Somov constantly gave much attention to teaching. Boris Vsevolodovich was always benevolent to new students and has raised a galaxy of disciples, which work far and wide.

Colleagues knew Boris Vsevolodovich as a profound theoretical physicist. He regarded going from general to particular as his basic research principle. It is this view of the fundamentals of the space-plasma physics that he first of all tried to convey to his disciples. At the same time, he readily perceived new ideas, insistently criticised their drawbacks and emphasized their hidden merits. As recently as a week before his untimely passing away, Boris Somov guided the 705th scientific seminar “Plasma Astrophysics and Solar Physics.” While closing the session, Boris Vsevolodovich touched upon new discoveries and developments in science, sometimes unexpected at first sight. According to his words, “after the 700th seminar, exotic things are no longer anticipated but a quiet phase of balanced understanding comes, when one thinks: but it is just so that it should be!”

References:

http://www.sai.msu.ru/news/2022/12/02/news.html

Past affiliation(s) within the IAU

  • Past Member of Division E Sun and Heliosphere (until 2022)
  • Past Member of Division F Planetary Systems and Astrobiology (2021-2022)
  • Past Member of Division G Stars and Stellar Physics (2021-2022)
  • Past Member of Inter-Division E-F-G Commission Impact of Magnetic Activity on Solar and Stellar Environments (2021-2022)
  • Past Member of Commission 10 Solar Activity (until 2015)
  • Past Member of Division II Sun & Heliosphere (until 2012)

Areas of interest

1 - General: 1.6 - Astronomy Education

Search individual members



 

Donate to the IAU

Donate to the IAU

General Assembly 2024

IAU General Assembly 2024

IAU Strategic Plan 2020–2030

Strategic Plan

IAU Code of Conduct

Code of Conduct

Symposia and Meetings

Meetings

Membership

How to Become a Member

Deceased Members

Deceased Members

Centre for the Protection of the Dark and Quiet Sky from Satellite Constellation Interference

CPS

IAU Catalyst

Latest Catalyst

IAU e-Newsletter
Volume 2024 n° 1

Latest e-Newsletter

Subscribe to the e-Newsletter

CAPj

IAU Office of Astronomy for Development

Office for Astronomy Development

IAU Office for Young Astronomers

Office for Young Astronomers

IAU Office for Astronomy Outreach

Office for Astronomy Outreach

IAU Office of Astronomy for Education

Office of Astronomy for Education

International School for Young Astronomers

International School for Young Astronomers

WG Small Bodies Nomenclature Bulletins

WG Small Bodies Nomenclature Bulletins

IAU WG Women in Astronomy Newsletters and Ensemble Magazine

WG Women in Astronomy Newsletters