Dr. Alan Fiala
 |
1997
Dr. Alan Fiala
Astronomer
Class of 1960
A 1960 graduate, has devoted his career to the study of the dynamics of the Solar System, with the mission to produce accurate navigational materials for the Navy and Air Force, as well as data for surveyors and astronomers. Dr. Fiala graduated from Carleton College in Minnesota in 1963 with a major in astronomy and minors in physics and mathematics. He received his Ph.D. from Yale University in 1968. He joined the staff of the Observatory's Nautical Almanac Office and remained there for over 30 years. In 1985, he was promoted to Chief of Astronomical Data Division, supervising numerous scientific projects and the operation of two large computer systems. In 1990, he became Deputy Director of the newly created Orbital Mechanics Department and one year later he became the Chief of the Nautical Almanac Division.