Leon Mestel. 5 August 1927 — 15 September 2017

Abstract

Leon Mestel was best known for his wide-ranging work on cosmic magnetism, but he also worked on an equally wide range of non-magnetic problems in astrophysics, from star and galaxy formation to white dwarf cooling. Despite his work being primarily theoretical and highly mathematical, he was always aware of all the relevant observational data that both needed to be explained and also provided constraints for his theoretical models. He was internationally recognized as an authority on the influence of magnetic fields in astronomy, receiving a number of significant honours. He also had a deserved reputation for scrupulous honesty and integrity in his work. His life's work culminated in the publication of two editions of a magisterial monograph on stellar magnetism. He collaborated widely, influenced many other researchers and was in great demand as a conference speaker. He was also a conscientious academic, taking his full part in departmental teaching and administration, and a delightful companion and friend to all who knew him. He was well known for his many stories and jokes, which were widely enjoyed. His outside interests included being a long-standing member of the Editorial Board of this publication, Biographical Memoirs of Fellows of the Royal Society .