About Carl A. Wirtanen
Lived 1910 – 1990 (aged 79). Carl A. Wirtanen was an American astronomer.
+ Minor planets discovered: 8 After visiting the observatory in Kenosha with his violin teacher at age 12, he started grinding mirrors. as well as eight asteroids, including notably the Apollo asteroid (29075) 1950 DA, which may have a non-negligible probability of impacting the Earth in the year 2880. He also discovered two other Apollo asteroids: 1685 Toro and 1863 Antinous. Based on the Shane–Wirtanen survey, the Shane Wirtanen Catalogue, a count of galaxies, was his major work published in 1954.
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Important facts
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Contemporaries
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Frequently asked questions
Who was Carl A. Wirtanen?
American astronomer (1910–1990)
When was Carl A. Wirtanen born?
Carl A. Wirtanen was born on 11 November 1910 in Kenosha.
When did Carl A. Wirtanen die?
Carl A. Wirtanen died on 7 March 1990 in Santa Cruz.
What was Carl A. Wirtanen's occupation?
Carl A. Wirtanen was an astronomer.
What nationality was Carl A. Wirtanen?
Carl A. Wirtanen was American.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Carl A. Wirtanen. https://biography.guide/carl-a-wirtanen/
MLA: "Carl A. Wirtanen." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/carl-a-wirtanen/.
Chicago: "Carl A. Wirtanen." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/carl-a-wirtanen/.
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