Mykola Evdokymov (1868–1941): Founder of Astrometric Research at Kharkiv Astronomical Observatory

Abstract

An analysis is presented of the scientific research accomplished by Ukrainian astronomer Mykola Evdokymov, a specialist in the field of astrometry. The astronomer’s main works, carried out using a Repsold meridian circle, are dedicated to determining stellar parallaxes, the positions of zodiacal and faint circumpolar stars, and the positions of large planets. At Kharkiv Astronomical Observatory, Evdokymov conducted systematic observations of the following objects and phenomena: solar and lunar eclipses, including as a member of the observatory’s expeditions during the total solar eclipses of 1914 and 1936; comets (Halley, Delavan, Stearns, Pons–Winnecke); and meteor showers. He participated in determining the positions of reference stars for the asteroid (433) Eros. He conducted systematic studies of the meridian circle, developed new astronomical instruments, organized the functioning of a time service at the observatory, and carried out the determination of star declinations by measuring the sums and differences of the zenith distances of star pairs by the Sanders–Raymond method (using a meridian circle and a transit instrument).