Asteroid Honors Former HSU Dean

Asteroid 221698 was recently renamed “JuliusOlsen” in honor of former HSU professor and dean, Dr. Julius Olsen. This asteroid stands as a reminder of the many discoveries and impacts Olsen made while working for HSU.

Olsen was the Dean of Hardin-Simmons University from 1902 until 1940. Over his four decades at the University, Olsen enlightened thousands of students through his astronomy and physics courses. He is also known for bringing science education to West Texas at the turn of the 20th Century. Olsen was able to influence many students through his teachings, and he advocated the importance and fun of science.

The asteroid naming was suggested by Dr. Patrick Miller, a Professor of Mathematics at HSU, and Dr. Neil Olsen, the grandson of Dr. Olsen. The asteroid selected was discovered by Miller in 2007 and can be seen at a distance of 2.8 times that of the distance between the Earth and the Sun.

While Miller did not personally experience the teachings and company of Olsen, Miller has heard of the many wonderful impacts he had on Hardin-Simmons and believes that this asteroid honors Olsen well. To learn more about Olsen’s accomplishments, view his biography in HSU’s Hall of Leaders: https://www.hsutx.edu/Hall-of-Leaders/Julius-Olsen/.