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In Memory of Thomas M. Donahue

Prof. Thomas M. Donahue, The Edward H. White II Distinguished University Professor Emeritus of Planetary Science at the University of Michigan, died October 16, 2004.  Tom was a pioneer in advocating satellites and spacecrafts to explore and understand the atmospheres of Earth and other planets in the solar system.  We are indebted to Tom for making the satellite and space shuttle measurements of atmospheric constituents possible in those early uncertain days through his tireless work and dedication. But for his efforts, the data on the Earth's atmosphere that we use in the SPARC community would have been much sparser.

Tom was deeply involved in the issue of anthropogenic destruction of stratospheric ozone in the early 1970s. His interest in stratospheric ozone changes naturally gravitated him towards Global Changes and climate. These issues still are at the heart of SPARC activities.

Tom Donahue really understood the power and need for atmospheric chemistry in solving issues, be it Earth’s atmosphere or that of another planet.  Even till his last days, he was thinking about the isotope enrichment in various planets and how it could be detected and used for interpreting the workings of those atmospheres.

Tom not only provided scientific knowledge to the community but also leadership.  His quick mind and vast knowledge always allowed him to critically evaluate any hypotheses and know what is feasible and what is not, what is good science and what is not.

We are sure that other scientists in planetary science will have similar things to say about Tom from their perspective.  We in the SPARC community are happy that Tom was interested in the Earth’s atmosphere.  We will miss him greatly, but are grateful for the rich legacy he left behind.

A. R. Ravishankara

NOAA-Aeronomy Laboratory, Boulder, USA (A.R.Ravishankara@noaa.gov)

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