From ice ages to the stars: Milanković’s Enduring Legacy

Milutin Milanković (1879–1958) was a Serbian mathematician, astronomer, climatologist, and engineer whose work significantly contributed to our understanding of climate change and planetary climatology. Born in Dalj, Austro-Hungary, he studied civil engineering at the Technical University of Vienna, where he earned his doctorate in 1904. He became the first Serb to hold a PhD in technical sciences.

After a successful engineering career in Vienna, Milanković accepted the position of Professor of Applied Mathematics at the University of Belgrade in 1909. His most notable scientific contribution is the theory known as "Milanković Cycles," which explains how changes in Earth's orbit and axial tilt influence long-term climate patterns, including the onset and duration of ice ages.

In addition to his scientific research, Milanković was a prolific science popularizer. His works, such as "Through Space and Time" and "Through the Realm of Science," made complex scientific concepts accessible to the general public, inspiring many to develop an interest in science.

Milanković also proposed a calendar reform that is considered one of the most precise ever suggested. His system determines that years divisible by 900 are leap years if they leave a remainder of 200 or 600, unlike the Gregorian rule, which requires leap years to be divisible by 400. This adjustment reduces the difference between the calendar year and the solar year to just a few seconds, making Milanković's calendar extraordinarily accurate.

Watch the episode on Milutin Milanković from the series "Three Torchbearers of Serbian Science," guided by Dr. Aleksandar Bogojević, Director of the Institute of Physics in Belgrade. Through his reflections and unique perspective, Dr. Bogojević sheds light on the broader potential of the Serbian people, inspired by Milanković's exceptional life journey. Special emphasis is placed on the importance of recognizing, nurturing, and supporting talent and ambition, which form the foundation for achieving great accomplishments and lasting values in science and society.