Compton J. Tucker Retires from NASA and is Named NAS Fellow
Dr Compton J. Tucker – A principal researcher at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) – joins 149 newly elected members at the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) – See Photo. NAS is one of the highest honors in American science. Compton made a virtual presentation at the GSFC on July 21, 2025, in which he showed protruding facts of his 50 years of research and reflected in the honor of being selected as a NAS scholarship holder. He admitted that he had been surprised to learn his election in April 2025 – despite his prestigious career.
In some respects, this price puts the loop of the Compton career. He came for the first time to the GSFC as Postdoc NAS in 1975 after obtaining his baccalaureate in science from Colorado State University (CSU) in 1969. He followed with his mastery in science and his doctorate. Of the CSU Forestry College in 1973 and 1975 respectively. Two years later, he joined NASA as a civil servant. After 48 years of prestigious public service, Compton decided to retire in March 2025.
Compton is a well-known pioneer in the field of satellite-based environmental analysis, using data from various us geological survery-nasa landsat missions and from the national oceanographic and atmospheric administration’s (noaa) advanced very high resolution radioimeter (avhrr) instrument, the prototype of white launched ABOARD The Television Infrared Satellite Observation-N (TIROS-N) in 1978, with launches continuing on noaa and European satellites in polar orbit in the next 40 years. The last two AVHRR instruments, which have been launched on the European organization for the exploitation of meteorological operational satellites (EUMETSAT) (METOP – B and -C) in 2012 and 2018, are still operational today.
In his presentation of the GSFC, Compton described how, during their research, he and his colleagues realized that the original plans for AVHRR led to the overlap of channels 1 and 2. In short, he explained that his contribution had helped to persuade the management of the Noaa to modify the design of Channel 1 of the AVHRR – starting with the Noaa -7. It is fair to say that this change has had a lasting impact, with 16 other AVHRR instruments (with slight modifications over time) launched over the next four decades.
Compton’s research has focused on world photosynthesis on land (for example, the savannas dominated by grass), determined earth coverage (i.e. forest fragmentation, deforestation and forestry), monitored droughts and food security and evaluated the epidemics of ecologically coupled diseases. From 2005 to 2010, he was co -chair of two working groups interinstitutions for observations and land use and the change of land coverage. Compton was active in the NASA spatial archeology program, participating in radar and magnetic surveys on the ground in Turkey, in particular in Troy, the Granicus and Gordion river valley. During his 50 -year career, he is the author or co -author of more than 400 learned articles that appeared in scientific journals – and in his presentation, he hinted that more could be in store after retirement.
Compton has received numerous scientific prizes and honors. He was elected to a fellow of the American Geophysical Union in 2009 and to the American Association for the Advancement of Science in 2015. He Received the Senior Executive Service Presidential Rank Award for Meritorious Service (2017), the Vega Medal from the Swedish Society of Anthropology and Geography (2014), the Galathea Med Danish Geographical Society (2004), The William T. Pecora Award from the Us Geological Survey (1997), The Michael Collins Trophy for Current Achievement from the National Air and Space Museum (1993), the Missouri Botanical Garden (1992) medal and the exceptional medal of scientific achievements (1987).
Compton liked to share his knowledge with the next generation of scientists. He was a auxiliary professor at the University of Maryland (1994-2024) and consultant of consulting at the Museum of Archeology and Anthropology of the University of Pennsylvania (2005-2024).
Congratulations to Compton for having won this prestigious – and well -deserved – recognition – of NAS. Best wishes to him in everything that is the next on his trip.
The National Academy of Sciences is a non -profit private institution which was established under a charter of the congress signed by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863. It recognizes the realization in science by election to membership, and – with the National Academy of Engineering and the National Academy of Medicine – provides advice in science, engineering and health policy and other organizations.
