GEORGE WHIPPLE CLARK

1928 - 2023

CLARK, George Whipple George Whipple Clark, a physicist, died on April 6, 2023, at the age of 94 in Boston, Massachusetts. He was born in Harvey, Illinois, on August 31, 1928, and was the son of the late Robert Keep Clark and Margaret Whipple Clark. George was passionate about astronomy from a young age. He graduated from Harvard University in 1949 and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he earned his PhD in 1952. George spent his career at MIT as a professor of physics, specializing in astrophysics. In the 1950s, George collaborated with Bruno Rossi on several large cosmic ray air shower experiments. Later, he worked on the Focal Plane Crystal Spectrometer experiment on the Einstein X-Ray Observatory and was involved in satellite experiments that resulted in the discovery of high-energy gamma rays from galactic and extra-galactic sources. His pioneering work in the use of balloon-borne instrumentation for observing celestial X-ray sources discovered high energy X-rays from the Crab Nebula. Later, George was the Principal Investigator for the MIT X-Ray Observatory on the Third Small Astronomy Satellite. George loved teaching at MIT where he was respected by colleagues and students for his contributions to the field and dedication to teaching. He retired from teaching in 1996, and continued research at the MIT Kavli Institute for Astrophysics and Space Research. Edgartown Great Pond on Martha's Vineyard was where George built his own house and contributed to island life with his keen interest in conservation. George was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He was an extraordinary influence on the lives of many. He is survived by his daughter, Jacqueline Clark; and stepchildren, Bridget Reischer, Blair Reischer, Sybille Reischer Ecroyd, and Electa Reischer; their spouses; as well as his grandchildren, Otto Ecroyd, Rosalind Reischer, Peter Reischer, Geneva Reischer Harburger. George was preceded in death by his wife, Charlotte Reischer Clark; and daughter, Katherine "Kasia" Whipple Clark. A Celebration of George's Life will be held in late May. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute or the Committee on Human Rights. George will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

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