ROBERT L. KURUCZ

The work on stellar spectroscopy rely heavily on spectral line data, the model atmospheres and much more that was computed and compiled by Prof. Kurucz. When I hesitantly wrote to Prof. requesting the models with enhanced helium, he did compile the models very keenly by setting up his new machine despite of his unstable health. His passion for the work was unparalleled and inspirational to many of us. RIP Sir.

Kurucz made his stellar models and codes publicly available for everyone, even back in the 1960s. Several 100 PhD theses, including my own, relied on his work. I am very grateful for his significant contributions to the field. My heartfelt condolences to his family.

In academia, many treat their field as merely a path to fame, status, and power. Few are truly engrossed in their science, and fewer still single-handedly transform and advance an entire field. Bob was one of those rare individuals. I had the pleasure of knowing Bob during my time as a graduate student at Harvard. Modern stellar spectroscopy and much of today's research would simply not exist without Bob's lifelong pioneering work in simulating stellar spectra, which allowed us to uncover...

Dear Dr. Kurucz, Your work will be remembered in the history of astrophysics. Your contribution pushes humankind a big step forward in understanding the universe. Thank you.