Struve

Struve is a surname of German origin associated with a notable family of 19th-century astronomers who worked in the Russian Empire. The leading figure is Friedrich Georg Wilhelm von Struve (1793–1864), a prominent astronomer who served as director of the Pulkovo Observatory near Saint Petersburg and led extensive measurements in celestial mechanics and astrometry. His son Otto Wilhelm von Struve (1819–1905) followed in his footsteps, contributing to observational astronomy and the family’s scientific legacy.

Struve Geodetic Arc is a major achievement linked to the Struve name. Initiated by Friedrich Struve in the 19th century, it was a comprehensive program of triangulation designed to measure the size and shape of the Earth and test geodetic theory. The arc spans across ten countries from Hammerfest in Norway to the Black Sea region, including Norway, Sweden, Finland, Russia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Belarus, Moldova, and Ukraine. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005, recognizing its significance for geodesy, astronomy, and the history of science.

Legacy and other uses of the name Struve include its association with multiple astronomers in the family and with a lunar crater named in honor of Friedrich Wilhelm Struve. The Struve surname remains linked to early modern astronomy, geodesy, and the collaborative scientific efforts that connected observatories across Europe.