Renowned Czech astronomer Luboš Kohoutek dies at 88

Luboš Kohoutek, renowned Czech astronomer and discoverer of minor planets and comets, passed away on December 30 at the age of 88, the Czech Astronomical Society announced on Friday. He died in Germany, where he had emigrated in 1970 following the occupation of Czechoslovakia by the Warsaw Pact troops.

During his long career, Luboš Kohoutek discovered 75 asteroids, and five comets, including Comet Kohoutek, which was visible to the naked eye in 1973. He also discovered a large number of planetary nebulae.