Descriptive Entry

Richard H. Emmons (1919-2005), astronomer, engineer, and proponent of astronomy education, taught astronomy and physics at Kent State University and later worked as an engineer for Goodyear Aerospace Corporation. He was well-known for the planetariums he established, over 23 in all. Emmons was also the team leader for the North Canton Moonwatch Team. Moonwatch teams were established around the world by the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, Moonwatch Division, 1956-1975, to track and photograph artificial satellites. This accession consists of records created and maintained by Emmons documenting his work as an astronomer and an engineer, his participation in Moonwatch, and his research interests. Materials include correspondence and memoranda; theories, calculations, charts, graphs, and notes; images of astronomers, equipment, facilities, and the sky; articles written and co-written by Emmons; newspaper clippings; professional society and astronomy club newsletters; and research and reference materials such as journal articles, manuscripts, predictions, and technical documents. Some research and reference materials pre-date the date span of this accession, but would have been collected during this time period.