| Citation | Distinguished for his contributions to solar and cosmic X-ray astronomy both as a very able and innovative experimentalist and by vigorous leadership of the group he established at Leicester over two decades. He pioneered, in the U.K., the use of space techniques for this work playing a major role in introducing proportional counting for spectral studies, pulse length discrimination for signal/noise ratio improvement, Bragg crystal spectroscopy, the employment of balanced filter techniques and in applying the microchannel multiplier combined with a two dimensional readout system to achieve resolutions of a few arc seconds on the U.S. "Einstein" satellite. These developments enabled him to make the first direct measurements of solar broad-band X-ray spectra and to obtain most of the early high resolution data. During the 60's he was quick to perceive the value of very simple rocket experiments for sky-surveys and so carried out the first U.K. cosmic X-ray observation discovering early evidence for the transience of some sources. His catalogue leading to the discovery and identification of many new sources and by presenting major evidence, through comparison with the Uhuru catalogue, for the variability of the X-ray sky. Of the new sources the class of Seyfert galaxies if of fundamental importance. He relates his work expertly to the field of astronomy as a whole, his Ariel V results having even lead to the discovery optically of previously unrecognised Seyferts.
Pounds' research, leadership, accuracy of scientific judgement and astute perception of the current problems and most needed observational and technological advances have gained for him a well deserved international reputation.
A list of 86 publications is appended.
|