Mikhail L'vovich Lidov (russian: Михаи́л Льво́вич Ли́дов, 4 October 1926–30 December 1993) was a Soviet and Russian astronomer specialising in

celestial mechanics Celestial mechanics is the branch of astronomy that deals with the motions of objects in outer space. Historically, celestial mechanics applies principles of physics (classical mechanics) to astronomical objects, such as stars and planets, to ...

. He is best known for discovering, simultaneously with

Yoshihide Kozai Yoshihide Kozai (1 April 1928 – 5 February 2018) was a Japanese astronomer specialising in celestial mechanics. He is best known for discovering, simultaneously with Michael Lidov, the Kozai mechanism, for which he received the Imperial Pri ...

, the Kozai-Lidov mechanism. In 1960, he was awarded the Lenin prize for his contributions to the Soviet space program. The asteroid 4236 Lidov, discovered by

Nikolai Chernykh Nikolai Stepanovich Chernykh (russian: Никола́й Степа́нович Черны́х) (6 October 1931 – 25 May 2004Казакова, Р.К. Памяти Николая Степановича Черных'. Труды Государст ...

in 1979, was named in his honour. The official naming citation was published by the

Minor Planet Center The Minor Planet Center (MPC) is the official body for observing and reporting on minor planets under the auspices of the International Astronomical Union (IAU). Founded in 1947, it operates at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. Function ...

on 1 September 1993 ().

References

1926 births 1993 deaths Russian astronomers Soviet astronomers Moscow State University alumni {{Russia-scientist-stub