Edwin C. Krupp (born 18 November 1944, Chicago)[1][2] is an American astronomer and author. He has been the director of the Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles for over thirty years, since first taking over the position in 1974 from his predecessor, William J. Kaufmann III.[3]
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Krupp is known for his extensive publications on astronomical and science education topics and his promotion of astronomy to the general public via his books, columns, appearances in visual media and through the science communication programs at the observatory.[4][3] Several of his books have won notable awards from institutions such as the American Institute of Physics and the Astronomical Society of the Pacific. In particular, Krupp is noted for his specialist contributions and investigations in the field of archaeoastronomy on which he has written widely, including such books as In Search of Ancient Astronomies (1977) and Archaeoastronomy and the Roots of Science (1984).
Krupp hosted the astronomy educational series "Project Universe" on the American PBS channel in the late 1970s.[4]
He received his degrees in astronomy from UCLA, a Master's degree in 1968 and a PhD in 1972; his PhD advisor was George Abell.[2][5] He received a bachelor's degree in physics and astronomy from Pomona College in 1966.[2][5]
Krupp was a student in 1961 at the Summer Science Program.[6][7][8] At that time, Abell was Academic Director of the program,[8] which teaches astronomy to high school students.[9][10] Krupp has remained active with SSP as the head teaching assistant from 1968 to 1972 and as a frequent guest lecturer.[7][8] He stated of the program:[11]
In some respects, SSP remains the most academically cohesive and intense educational experience I have ever had. That, I suspect, is true for most who are fortunate enough to attend it. If it weren't for SSP, my vision would be narrower, my aspirations less ambitious, and my life less rich. I don't exaggerate.