American astronomer who proposed the 'dirty snowball' model for comet nuclei, which explained their activity when approaching the Sun. He also contributed to the discovery of asteroids and the study of meteors.
Biography
He studied at the University of California, worked at the Harvard College Observatory and the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. Director of the SAO, mentor to many astronomers.
Key discoveries
Model of a comet nucleus as a conglomerate of ice and dust (1950)
Discovery of several asteroids and comets
Invention of a protective shield against meteoroid hazards for spacecraft ('Whipple shield')
💡 During World War II, Whipple worked on secret projects, including the development of 'chaff' — metalized paper dropped to jam enemy radar.
"He called a comet a dirty snowball that evaporates in the sun's heat."