Demetrios Kokkidis | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Dean of the School of Philosophy (University of Athens) | |
| In office 1887 – -1888 | |
| Preceded by | Christos Papadopoulos |
| Succeeded by | Konstantinos Mitsopoulos |
| Director of the National Observatory of Athens | |
| In office 1884–1890 | |
| Preceded by | Julius Schmidt |
| Succeeded by | Demetrios Eginitis |
| Personal details | |
| Born | November 4, 1840 Athens, Greece |
| Died | February 11, 1896 (aged 55) Athens, Greece |
| Profession | Professor, Dean |
| Known for | Astronomy |
| Alma mater | University of Berlin Berlin Observatory University of Paris |
| Awards | Order of the Redeemer |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Geography Astronomy Meteorology Climatology Mathematics |
| Institutions | University of Athens Evelpidon National Observatory of Athens Naval Academy |
| Doctoral advisor | Johann Franz Encke |
| Other academic advisors | Kosmas Kokkidis |
Demetrios Kokkidis (Greek: Δημήτριος Κοκκίδης; November 4, 1840 – February 11, 1896) was an astronomer, mathematician, physicist, professor, and dean. Kokkidis was the fourth president of the Athens Observatory after the death of Johann Friedrich Julius Schmidt. He was one of the few Greek astronomers of the 20th century following Georgios Konstantinos Vouris and Ioannis Papadakis. He did extensive research and wrote articles about Mercury, the Sun, the Moon, and various meteorological phenomena.[1][2]
Demetrios was born in Athens. His father was Greek War Hero Kosmas Kokkidis. Kosmas also taught at Evelpidon and Demetri's brother Ifikratis Kokkidis was a prominent military engineer. From a young age, Demetrios showed signs of higher intelligence and attracted the attention of Greek entrepreneur and philanthropist Simon Sinas. Demetrios studied astronomy at the University of Berlin and the Berlin Observatory under the supervision of Johann Franz Encke. His dissertation in 1862 was entitled Variations of the Declinations of the Stars θ Ursa Major and β Draco (Variationibus Declinationum Stellarum θ Ursae Majoris et β Draconis). Demetrios also studied in Paris until 1877.[3][4]
He returned to Greece and taught at three different institutions while writing for two publications Parnassos and Estia. He briefly served as Dean of the Philosophical School which was part of the University of Athens. For his distinguished contribution to the field of astronomy, he was awarded the Order of the Redeemer from Greece. He also received similar awards from Spain and Prussia. He died in Athens in 1896 at 55 years old.[5]
- ^ Stefanidis 1952, pp. 17–18.
- ^ Staff Writers (December 11, 2022). "Acting Deans". National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Retrieved December 11, 2022.
- ^ Triandafillos Sklavenitis (December 11, 2022). "Kokkidis Dimitrios". Institute for Neohellenic Research. Retrieved December 11, 2022.
- ^ Harvey & Matsopoulos 2020, pp. 19, 29.
- ^ Savaidou 2010, pp. 129, 131, 137–138, 142, 158, 175, 262, 272, 278, 293, 316, 327, 415, 432, 460–461, 465–469.