Reysa Bernson

Reysa Verhaeghe or Reysa Bernson (September 26, 1904 - 1944) was a French astronomer. She founded the Association Astronomique du Nord in 1923. She was particularly known for her work popularizing astronomy in France through public demonstrations and the development of planetaria. A detailed timeline and the full list of her publications, as well as publications about her, have been made available.

Early life Reysa Bernson was born in Lille September 28, 1904. Her parents, Désiré Verhaeghe and Dweira Bernson-Verhaeghe, were both doctors. In 1920, her parents separated, though they did not divorce. After the separation, Reysa frequently went by her mother's family name, Verhaeghe. Her father died when she was 26.

Education Reysa Bernson attended high school at the Lycée Fénelon de Lille. In 1921, she obtained her baccalauréat Sciences et Langues and completed her first year of Russian studies at the University of Lille. In 1922, she obtained her baccalauréat from the Faculté des Sciences.

In 1923, she finished her undergraduate degree in Russian studies from the University of Lille. In 1924, she finished a degree in science. In the following years, she would complete certifications in a number of fields: astronomy, chemistry, and radiotelegraphy. In 1927, she earned a teaching certification. In 1934, she earned a doctorate in astronomy from the University of Lille.

In 1937, Reysa Bernson was the secretary general of the Planetarium of the Exposition Internationale in Paris, which saw around 800,000 visitors during the six months of the exhibition.

By decision of the municipal council in 2018, there is an allée Reysa Bernson in the Saint-Maurice Pellevoisin quarter of the city of Lille.