Edward A. Halbach

Edward A. Halbach (April 5, 1909 – March 20, 2011) was an American amateur astronomer best known for his extensive work observing variable stars. His interest in astronomy began in 1933, and he joined the American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO) the following year. A founding member of the Milwaukee Astronomical Society, he also served as director of its observatory for 35 years. In 1947, he became the first official president of the Astronomical League. Beyond variable stars, his observational interests included solar astronomy and occultations.

Halbach received the Astronomical League Award in 1972. In 1981, he became the first living recipient of the Leslie C. Peltier Award, recognizing his variable star and lunar occultation work as well as contributions to artificial satellite programs. The AAVSO granted him its Merit Award in 1988, citing over 50,000 observations in its International Database and 54 years of service. The Astronomical Society of the Pacific gave him its Amateur Achievement Award in 1997 for his variable star and occultation observations. In 2003, he earned the AAVSO’s William Tyler Olcott Award, which highlighted his role as a mentor and promoter of variable star observing. By then, his database contributions had surpassed 98,000 observations. The Milwaukee Astronomical Society named one of its two 12.5-inch telescopes the “Edward A. Halbach Telescope” in his honor. His 100th birthday on April 7, 2009, was noted on NBC’s *Today* show.