aiWhat do the concepts of "universe" and "human dignity" have in common? One is related to astronomy, the other to morality. While we might not typically put them side by side, we do here as they are personified by the astronomy teacher of a rural lyceum, Roman Krymsalyuk.

aiBefore the war Roman, teacher-warrior, was not known to a large circle of people. After his death, his name has become more and more famous resembling an expanding galaxy…

aiWhere did it all start? Probably from the fact that next to the village of Ivanivka, Kharkiv region where Roman was born, there is a Research Institute of Astronomy at V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University. And he visited there several times together with other curious school children.

aiAs Roman pursued his interest in the science of the universe, he won many astronomy and physics olympiads from the Small Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (SAS). He also received a scholarship from the charitable children's fund "Shore of Hope."

aiAfter graduating his choice of a future path was clear. Roman Krymsalyuk entered the physics faculty of the Karazin University where he majored in astronomy and space informatics. In 2009, he got a master's degree.

aiRoman's first job was at Malynivskiy Support Lyceum No. 1 where he taught astronomy, physics, and computer science. He interested his students in his disciplines. And they, like he in his childhood, won regional competitions and  SAS olympiads.

aiBut the children's participation in the natural sciences and their  peaceful life was interrupted by war. Although teachers are not subject to mobilization if they work at least ¾ time, the teacher of the Malynivskiy Support Lyceum decided that protecting his country, his native village, and his students was more important than mastering physical laws with them. Studies can be postponed for a time of peace when the life and freedom of children are not threatened.

aiOn the first day of the full-scale war, Roman Krymsalyuk volunteered to defend the Motherland. He became a gunner in the mortar battery of the 125th separate territorial defense brigade, call sign "Physicist."

aiAnd then, in the winter of 2022, the brigade was transferred to Donbas.

aiThere, on December 13, 2022, Roman Krymsalyuk died in a battle for the village of Ploshanka, Svativ district, Luhansk region.

ai____
aiSomeone else will tell children about the universe. Roman's students learned the most important lesson from their teacher: the value of human dignity and love for people and their country.

aiBy Decree of the President of Ukraine No. 262/2023 of May 5, 2023, soldier Krymsalyuk Roman was awarded the Order "For Courage" III degree (posthumously).

aiIn August 2023, Roman  was posthumously awarded the title of "Honorary Citizen of Chuguyiv District" by the Chuguyiv District Military Administration.

aiA memorial plaque to the teacher-warrior is installed on the facade of Maliniv Lyceum No. 1. And the school launched an annual Roman Krymsaluk Astronomy Competition in his honor.