David Eichler

Israel

1951-2021

Obituary:

David Eichler passed away on May 16, 2021, after a long illness. He got his PhD in Physics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1976, and thereafter moved to the University of Chicago. While holding an appointment at University of Maryland, in 1987 he joined Ben Gurion University in Beer Sheva, Israel, where he served until his retirement in 2019. He became a member of the International Astronomical Union in 2003.

His knowledge of physics was vast and profound, which reflected in his scientific production, that covers an astonishingly wide range of topics from cosmology to high-energy radiation mechanisms, neutrinos, and cosmic rays. He pioneered the field of particle acceleration, as testified by his most highly cited review paper with Roger Blandford in 1987. Among numerous seminal papers he published as single author or in collaboration with colleagues, one of most topical influence and success was the article he wrote in 1989 for Nature with Mario Livio, Tsvi Piran and the late David Schramm on "Nucleosynthesis, neutrino bursts and gamma-rays from coalescing neutron stars", a harbinger of the multi-messenger approach to astrophysics, which is currently in full bloom. The paper predicted the outcomes of binary neutron star mergers - a radioactive source produced upon the formation of unstable heavy elements via rapid neutron-capture, high-energy radiation in the form of a short gamma-ray burst, MeV neutrino emission and a gravitational wave signal - most of which have been detected in the historical event of 17
August 2017.

David's interests were so broad that he dabbled also with medical research, which led to publications on the effects of diet on the development of cancer, a theme that he investigated based on his own personal experience. He also had a deep knowledge of science history, was an expert of biblical studies, and cultivated arts and music. He used to say that playing the piano was his only vice, which underlines his self-irony and great sense of humor.

His bright and sharp mind would stand out in scientific conversations and at conferences and seminars alike, where he habitually would nonchalantly drop extremely insightful comments that challenged the audience and provided the speaker with a new unexplored angle to the subject. David's distinctive human traits were his massive intellect, rational view of life, quick wit, and friendship value, all of which made him a unique person and scientist and an unforgettable colleague and friend. He will be missed sorely.

Our thoughts are with his sons Maor, Raanan, Ari, Noam, and with his ten grandchildren.

Roger Blandford
Noemie Globus
Amir Levinson
Mario Livio
Yuri Lyubarsky
Paolo Mazzali
Yigal Meir
Elena Pian
Tsvi Piran
Eli Waxman

Contributed by: Elena Pian