Charles W. Juels

Charles W. Juels

Charles W. Juels (1944 – January 6, 2009) was an American astronomer and psychiatrist known for his significant contributions to the field of astronomy, particularly in the discovery of asteroids. Juels' work in astronomy was conducted as an amateur, yet his contributions were substantial, leading to the discovery of hundreds of asteroids. Despite his professional background in psychiatry, Juels' passion for astronomy drove him to make notable contributions to the field.

Early Life and Education

Charles W. Juels was born in 1944. Details about his early life, including his education in psychiatry, are not widely documented. However, it is known that he pursued a career in psychiatry before developing a keen interest in astronomy.

Career in Psychiatry

Juels had a successful career as a psychiatrist. He worked in this field for several years, contributing to the understanding and treatment of mental health conditions. Despite the lack of detailed public records about his psychiatric career, Juels was respected in the medical community for his work.

Astronomy Career

Juels' interest in astronomy led him to become an amateur astronomer. He did not have formal training in the field but was driven by a passion for discovering and observing celestial bodies. Juels was particularly interested in the discovery of asteroids, dedicating much of his time to this pursuit.

Asteroid Discoveries

Charles W. Juels is credited with the discovery of hundreds of asteroids. He conducted his observations from his private observatory, Fountain Hills Observatory in Arizona, which he established for this purpose. Juels' methodical approach to observing the night sky and his dedication to the field contributed significantly to his success as an asteroid discoverer.

Some of the notable asteroids discovered by Juels include:

• Asteroid 26715 South Dakota, discovered in 2001
• Asteroid 26760 Disneyland, discovered in 2001
• Asteroid 31824 Elatus, discovered in 1999

These discoveries have added valuable knowledge to the field of astronomy, helping scientists understand more about the characteristics and trajectories of asteroids.

Legacy

Charles W. Juels passed away on January 6, 2009. His legacy in the field of astronomy is marked by his significant contributions to asteroid discovery. Juels demonstrated that amateur astronomers could play a crucial role in advancing the understanding of the universe. His work continues to inspire amateur astronomers worldwide to contribute to the field.

See Also

• List of asteroid discoverers
• Amateur astronomy
• Astronomical observatory