A former Director of Armagh Observatory and Planetarium (AOP) has passed away.
Originally of the Netherlands, Dr Mart De Groot took up the position of Director at Armagh Observatory back in 1976.
He had been born in Leiden and was educated in Utrecht before leaving his homeland in 1970 to work at the European Southern Observatory (ESO) in Chile where he was the Resident Astronomer and Aid to the Director.
In a short biography, AOP said of their esteemed former Director’s influence: “His scientific interests lie mainly in massive and variable stars.
“He oversaw the bicentennial celebrations of Observatory’s founding as well as the expansion of staff from a handful of astronomers closer to its current size.
“During his tenure, the Observatory grounds were expanded and landscaped into the Astropark – a scale model of the Solar System and a logarithmic model of the Universe and a favourite for Armagh dog walkers!
“With changes at the end of the 20th century, he became the last Director to reside at the Observatory; the residence was turned into office space for astronomers while retaining the original architectural character.”
Dr De Groot sadly passed away today (October 9) aged 86, at his Richhill home.
Sharing the news via social media, his grandson Jonny said: “Rest in peace, Opa [Grandpa]. Your faith, wisdom, and kindness shaped my world view growing up, and still to this day, and I’ll be eternally grateful that we got to spend so much time together.”
A death notice described him as the devoted husband of Willemien, treasured father of Nelly, Roel, José, Abiel, Joey and Miriam, also a much loved Opa of Antony, Jonny, Craig, Ryan, Sophie, Nikita, Pablo and Alex, Dora-Lynne and Micah.
His funeral service will take place on Sunday at 11am in The Seventh Day Adventist Church, Banbridge.
Donations are being gratefully received for the benefit of Maranatha Volunteers International via www.milnefuneralservices.co.uk/donate.
