Mikhail Ya Marov

Russian Federation

1933-2023

Obituary:

Mikhail Yakovlevich MAROV (18.07.1933 – 30.11.2023)

Mikhail Marov was outstanding Soviet and Russian scientist. Born 28.07.1933 in Moscow. Graduated from the Moscow Technical University in 1958 in the field Mechanics. Received his Ph.D. in 1964, full Doctorate degree in Physics and Mathematics in 1970 and full Professor in 1977. Scientific career includes RSC “Energia” (1958-62), Keldysh Institute of Applied Mathematics (1962 – 2008), and Vernadsky Institute of Geochemistry and Analytical Chemistry (2008 – 2024). Served as Scientific Secretary and Chair Deputy of Space Council of the Soviet Academy of Science (1966-1978). Elected in many national and international scientific organizations and has numerous national and international awards. Elected Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Science (RAS) in 1990 and full member (Academician) in 2008. Academician of the International Academy of Astronautics.

Principal scientific interests of Professor Marov were focused on the fundamental problems of space physics, astrophysics, planetary sciences and cosmochemistry, as well as on general problems of hydrodynamics and gas kinetics with application to solar system exploration and planetary cosmogony, along with experimental studies of planets with space vehicles. He has been deeply involved in many major endeavors of the Russian space program beginning from the first space flights to the Moon and planets up to the present. He worked as Project Scientist and/or Principal Investigator on the VENERA and MARS lander series and made the first in situ measurements in the Venus and Mars atmospheres that have been world recognized. He also participated in many others Soviet lunar and planetary missions. Developed basic theoretical approach to the problems of planetary aeronomy, mechanics of multicomponent turbulent reactive media and non-uniform multiphase gases, as well as to the study of non-equilibrium kinetic processes. He contributed to the development of the original methods of mathematical modeling of the planetary and cometary atmospheres and migration of minor bodies in the solar system. Authored above 250 publications in refereed journals and has published 18 books and monographs dealing with the study of outer space, planets, space mechanics and astrophysics. He was Professor of Moscow State University and the International Space University (ISU). He served as faculty and co-Chair of the ISU Space Physical Sciences Department and he taught in the USA North Carolina State University. He has occupied a number of distinguished positions in several Russian and International scientific organizations including International Astronomical Union (IAU) and COSPAR. He was elected President of the Commission 16 and then President of the Division III (Planetary Sciences) of the IAU (1994-2000), Chairman of WG С2 of the COSPAR Commission С. He served for many years as representative of IAU in the COSPAR WG B. He was Editor–in-Chief of the International scientific magazine Solar System Research, and he has served as coEditor for a number of other distinguished magazines. He was a Chairman of Tsiolkovsky Scientific Heritage Commission of RAS, Member of RAS Space Council Bureau, and Deputy of the Chair of Astrobiology Council. Received two distinguished National (Lenin and State) Awards, Labor Red Banner, Alexandre Nevsky, and Friendship Awards and medals. Received International Galabert award for Astronautics, International Alwin Seiff Award for the pioneering planetary explorations, NASA Diploma for outstanding space achievements, W. Nordberg COSPAR Medal for space studies and applications. Was awarded with the distinguished national Demidov Prize for Science and Gold Keldysh Medal of RAS for outstanding contribution in space research, applied mathematics and mechanics. His name is assigned to minor planet 10264 Marov (1978PH3).

Academician, Professor Marov passed away shortly after his 90-year yubilee. In spite of the long severe illness he stayed alert, vital and active in science until the very last days of his life. His family, friends, and colleagues will keep a long grateful memory of his outstanding person.