We are delighted that John W. Harvey has been awarded the 1999 George Ellery Hale Prize, an award which recognizes a scientist for outstanding contributions to the field of solar astronomy. The Hale Prize committee specifically cited Jack Harvey's "fundamental contributions to our understanding of the nature of solar magnetic fields and of the internal structure of the Sun through helioseismology, for his development of innovative solar instrumentation, and for his selfless and untiring service to the solar physics community."
Since his arrival at the Observatory in 1969, Jack has been a key member--—and leader--—of major solar initiatives while also pursuing a highly productive program of research in forefront areas of solar physics (reflected in a bibliography of over 200 publications!). His research has focussed on the unlocking of the secrets of the small-scale magnetic fields and motions on the solar surface, and on the determination of sub-surface structure and motions from global oscillation measurements. Jack was responsible for the highly successful GONG instrument, and has been a key member of a number of very productive South Pole solar observing expeditions. His dedication to the operation of the NSO Kitt Peak Vacuum Telescope since its inception in 1973 has produced an invaluable synoptic record of solar activity that is widely used by the solar and solar-terrestrial communities. The innovative successor to the Vacuum Telescope--SOLIS--was conceived by Jack who now serves as the SOLIS Project Scientist.
The seemingly endless list of advisory committees, editorial committees, and Working Groups of which Jack Harvey has been a member is testimony to the high degree of respect he has earned from his colleagues throughout the world. Among the positions Jack has held within the community are the Chair of the AAS Solar Physics Division and the Presidency of IAU Commission 12. Jack's accomplishments are even more impressive in view of the time he has devoted to such community service. We are indeed fortunate to have Jack on our scientific staff. He is truly exemplary of the AURA spirit of service to the community, excellence in science, and investment in the future.
Jack will present his Hale Prize Lecture at the Centennial American Astronomical Society Meeting in Chicago this June. We encourage readers to attend!
Mark Giampapa, Sidney Wolff