Koval Y. Scientific, educational, organizational and public activities of M.P. Barabashov (1894-1971), the Academician of the Academy of Science of the Ukrainian SSR

The thesis is devoted to the study of the scientific biography of the academician of the Ukrainian SSR Academy of Sciences M. P. Barabashov. The main directions of the scholar’s scientific work in the field of astrophotometry and spectroscopy are devoted to the problems of reflectivity of various bodies (the law of reflection of lunar seas, albedo of the Earth, etc.); the study of the distribution of brightness on the surfaces of planets and the Moon, in globular star clusters and sunspots (by photography and with the help of various light filters). Barabashov conducted original research in the field of planetary and lunar physics, which was carried out through a series of specialized laboratory experiments (studying the brightness distribution on a matte sphere, determining the processes occurring in the emulsion of photographic plates under the influence of light in various physical conditions, etc.). The basis of M. P. Barabashov’s research strategy was the introduction of a long series of observations of the Moon and planets under different conditions of their illumination by the Sun, based on the results of which conclusions were drawn about the structure of the surfaces of the studied celestial bodies, the properties of their atmospheres (in particular, Mars, Venus, Jupiter and Saturn), the study of the processes that had been taking place on the planets began. Barabashov established that the lunar surface is composed of such formations as basalt, lava, and other products of volcanic activity with high porosity, which was later confirmed during the study of the Moon by spacecraft. Gradually, a team of like-minded people formed around him, united by common problems and research methods, marking the birth of the Kharkiv scientific school of planetary science. The objective of the thesis is a comprehensive analysis of the life, scientific, pedagogical, organisational, and public activities of the academician of the Ukrainian SSR Academy of Sciences M. P. Barabashov, determination of the scientist’s contribution to the development of national astronomical science and his influence on the organisation of planetary research in Ukraine and the USSR in the mid-twentieth century in order to create a reliable scientific portrait of the scientist. The object matter of the study is the development of planetary research in domestic astronomical institutions against the background of the general rise of astronomical science and education in Ukraine in the mid-twentieth century. The subject matter of the research is the scientific, organisational, pedagogical, and public activities of academician M. P. Barabashov in the field of astrophysics, theoretical achievements, and practical contribution of the scientist to planetary science.The introduction reveals the relevance of the topic, outlines the chronological and territorial boundaries, formulates the objective of the study, defines the main tasks, and describes the methodology of the thesis. Information is provided on the scientific novelty of the results, their practical significance, the personal contribution of the PhD candidate and the application of the thesis materials.The thesis consists of four chapters. The first chapter reviews and systemises the source base, defines the principles and methods of the study. The historiography on the research problem was divided chronologically into three main periods: pre-Soviet, Soviet time, and the period of Independence. The source base of the research includes: archival materials; written monuments of museum collections; publications of M. P. Barabashov (scientific works on planetary topics; other areas of research, including astrophysical and other topics of theoretical orientation, etc.; teaching and methodological manuals; published reviews of the scientist’s works; popular science publications); reference and encyclopaedic editions; periodicals; memoirs. The structural composition of the second section includes the results of studying the history of the Barabashev family.The reconstruction of the scientific biography of M. P. Barabashov was carried out by highlighting the milestones of his life in the pre-Soviet and Soviet periods of his life. The stages of career advancement of M. P. Barabashov. The third chapter examines the scientific and organisational activities of M. P. Barabashov dedicated to the implementation of a number of large-scale astronomical projects initiated by the scientist. The multifaceted public activity of the scientist in popularising astronomical knowledge is highlighted.The fourth chapter analyses the initial period of the scholar’s scientific activity, when the accumulation of observational data on planetary topics took place; the development of photographic photometry methods by M. P. Barabashov is traced, which influenced the processes of forming the staff of the scie at KSU in the 1920s – 1950s.