John E. Geake

John Edward Geake (22 April 1925 – 3 June 1998) was a British astronomer, noted as a lunar scientist and scientific instrument designer. His postgraduate studies at the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST) related to the study of astronomical spectra using a photoelectric photometer. His work parallelled that of W. Albert Hiltner's team in the United States; although at the time neither knew of the other's work, and their methods were different. This research, which was long before the days of space exploration, led to laboratory measurement of luminescence from meteorite samples, which could be compared with lunar luminescence in an attempt to determine the composition of the lunar surface. His expertise was recognised by both the American and the Soviet space agencies, both of whom allocated to him lunar samples for study. and a member of the International Astronomical Union.

Refractometer inventions

Geake invented the first linear direct-reading refractometer for liquids, which has since been used in many practical applications.

Retirement and death

Geake died on 3 June 1998 after retiring in 1992 with the title of reader. He had worked in UMIST physics department for 35 years, where he made major contributions including the founding of the Industrial Science Group, one of the earliest university-industry liaison groups. He had two daughters with his wife, Mary.