[AAVSO-DIS] Dorrit Hoffleit

[Mario Motta]

To all,

       I had an interesting exchange with Dorrit Hoffleit at the recent 
AAVSO meeting. As you know, she at age 98 can still deliver a great 
lecture, and still works daily at Yale as an emeritus astronomer. I have 
always been greatly inspired by this incredible women. At dinner that 
night, I helped her to the table, and asked how research is going. She 
replied " I am sorry to say I am slowing down, and have only 5 
publications this year". I was startled, but told her most people would 
consider 5 publications in one year the high point of their career! 
Later in the evening, she let on she now needs an occasional nap in the 
afternoon to get through the day. My response to her was, that "IF'" I 
live that long, I would consider it a major success if I remember my own 
name!
       What a woman, I am in awe of people like this. I still remember 
fondly at her 90th birthday celebration (eight years ago!!), I had the 
privilege of accidentally sitting between her and the late Philp Morris 
of MIT, and listened in as they discussed physics and astronomy across 
my bow. I can't tell you how small I felt wedged between these two 
Titans.  Just musing on this event, and thought I would share with all.

from, ... hmmmm, ah,..  oh yeah, Mario Motta