Akihiko Tago

is a Japanese amateur astronomer.

He co-discovered several comets, including C/1968 H1 (Tago-Honda-Yamamoto), C/1969 T1 (Tago-Sato-Kosaka), C/1987 B1 (Nishikawa-Takamizawa-Tago). At the Satsuki Observatory established in 1996, Tago has supported and encouraged amateur astronomers in Yanahara, Okayama. Asteroid 7830 Akihikotago was named to honor his dedication.

He also discovered several novas, including V1493 Aql (Nova Aquilae 1999), V2275 Cyg (Nova Cygni 2001 no. 2), V574 Pup (Nova Puppis 2004), V2467 Cyg (Nova Cygni 2007) and V459 Vul (Nova Vulpeculae 2007 no.2).

In 2006 he was the first astronomer to discover a micro-lensing system outside the Magellanic Clouds and the bulge of our Milky Way. The star GSC 3656-1328 suddenly brightened by four magnitudes in two weeks time and returned to its normal brightness two weeks later. A red or a brown dwarf star passed exactly in front of GSC 3656-1328 and the gravity of the dwarf star directed more light to the observers on Earth.

He lives in Tsuyama, Okayama.

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Awards