Michael A'Hearn
via Planetary Exploration Newsletter: Mike passed away on Monday, May 29, 2017, at his home in University Park, MD. He had a deep love of science and gregarious nature, always able to make a positive difference in whatever he did. An obituary will be forthcoming. Mike was the beloved husband of Maxine C. A’Hearn; father of Brian J. (Zlata) of Oxford, UK, Kevin P. (Kanlayane) of Vienna, VA, and Patrick N. A’Hearn of Seattle, WA; grandfather of Sean, Brendan, Marie, Eliane, and Gabriel.
Relatives and friends may call at:
Visitation
Wednesday, May 31, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 PM
Collins Funeral Home
500 University Boulevard West
Silver Spring, MD
(Valet Parking)
Funeral
Thursday, June 1, at 10 AM
Mass of Christian Burial
Holy Redeemer Church
Berwyn Rd & 49th Avenue
College Park, MD
Interment at Gate of Heaven Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to:
S.O.M.E. (So Others Might Eat)
71 O Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001
http://www.some.org
or
Catholic Relief Services
P.O. Box 17090
Baltimore, MD 21297
http://www.crs.org
A great man who helped encourage and develop the careers of many young scientists. He left his mark on cometary science (and Tempel 1).
https://uploads.disquscdn.c…
I had the pleasure of working with Mike on Deep Impact. A great scientist and a great person. RIP Mike.
Mike showed us all how astronomy can be done during the Comet Halley years – planning Halleywatch, and coordinating observing programs all over the world. Working with him in 1985 and 1986 as Halley came and went, and then for many years after, was a wonderful part of my life. Stationed at Perth Observatory for some months in 1986, he was an inspiration to us all. A GREAT astronomer. Sadly missed. Peter Birch – Western Australia.
I’m really sorry for these sad news. I was always fascinated by his inspirational work. He really was a great person and an excellent scientific. He really left deep impact in all us. RIP Mike.
Very sad news. I had the pleasure of meeting him before the Division of Planetary Sciences (DPS) meeting at the Institute of Astronomy, Cambridge, UK in 2005. He was very friendly and approachable, and was happy to share with us his updates on the Deep Impact Mission. I was quite young at the time and he became an inspiration for later pursuing a degree in astronomy/astrophysics. Thank you, Mike! https://uploads.disquscdn.c…