A former director of Armagh Observatory and Planetarium will be remembered for shaping “new generations of astronomers” following his death.
Dr Mart de Groot headed Ireland’s leading astronomical research centre for almost two decades, and has been described as a “visionary leader” in tributes following his death on Thursday at his home in Richhill.
The Dutch astronomer, who was born in Leiden in 1938, took on the role of Armagh Observatory director in 1976, and remained in the post until 1994.
In the Netherlands, he completed a PhD at the University of Utrecht, with a thesis on the star P Cygni.
His research, which later included authoring of a book on the subject, helped form the current scientific understanding of the star and wider stellar evolution.
In the early 1970s, before his move to Ireland, he was a resident astronomer at the European Southern Observatory in Munich, Germany
He has been praised for his “lasting impact on the development and international reputation” of the Armagh Observatory.
A spokesperson said the PhD Programme he launched there in in 1985, “continues to nurture new generations of astronomers to this day”, while he also led “significant refurbishment and modernisation” of the historic Observatory, which originally opened in 1790.
Following his tenure, he continued his research, with a focus on cosmology and a wider understanding of the universe and its origin.
Dr Mart de Groot with wife Willemien
Current Armagh Observatory director, Professor Michael Burton, said: “Mart de Groot was a visionary leader who combined a passion for science with a deep respect for the legacy of Armagh Observatory.
“His commitment to innovative research and education has shaped the institution we know today. The Observatory’s thriving postgraduate programme and its international standing are a testament to his enduring influence. We are proud to continue the work he so passionately advanced.”
He added: “Dr de Groot’s contributions to astronomy and to Armagh’s scientific community will be remembered with great admiration and gratitude. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife, Willemien, and to all who knew and worked with him.
A death notice describes Dr de Groot as the “devoted husband of Willemien, treasured father of Nelly, Roel, José, Abiel, Joey and Miriam, also a much loved Opa (grandpa) of Antony, Jonny, Craig, Ryan, Sophie, Nikita, Pablo and Alex, Dora-Lynne and Micah”.
A funeral service will take place on Sunday at the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Banbridge.