World-renowned Czech astronomer Perek dies aged 101

Czech astronomer Lubos Perek, who mainly dealt with nebulas and space junk, formerly headed the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) and contributed to building the Czech Republic's biggest telescope, which bears his name, died at the age of 101 last night, Pavel Suchan, the spokesman for the Czech Astronomical Institute, has told CTK. In 1975-1980, Perek headed the UNOOSA, and he is the only Czech astronomer to hold the post of the International Astronomical Union general secretary.