Former director of Armagh Observatory passes away in sleep

A FORMER director of the Armagh Planetarium and Observatory has passed away.

Dr Mart de Groot passed away peacefully in his sleep last night (Wednesday, October 8) his son said.

Posting on social media Dr De Groot’s son Joey said, “I can’t believe I’m writing this today.

“It is with a broken heart my father, Dr Mart de Groot has passed away peacefully in his sleep surrounded by his family last night! Dementia is such a cruel disease.

“He will be greatly missed by his whole family circle. Dad was such an inspirational person in my life and was my rock throughout.”

Dr De Groot served as director at the Planetatarium from 1976 to 1994.

Born in Leiden and educated in Utrecht, Dr Mart de Groot left the Netherlands in 1970 to work at the European Southern Observatory (ESO) in Chile where he was the Resident Astronomer and Aid to the Director, before taking up the position of Director at Armagh Observatory in 1976.

His scientific interests lay 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.

Following his retirement from the Observatory he became Pastor at Banbridge Seventh-day Adventist Church, where he served for some years.

Armagh Observatory and Planetarium said it was  deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Dr Mart de Groot, who served as Director from 1976 to 1994.

Born in Leiden in 1938, Dr de Groot completed his PhD at the University of Utrecht in 1969, with a thesis on the famous variable star P Cygni.

He went on to serve as Resident Astronomer and Aid to the Director at the European Southern Observatory between 1970 and 1976 before taking up the position of Director at Armagh.

The Observatory said, "During his 18 years of leadership, Dr de Groot made a lasting impact on the development and international reputation of Armagh Observatory.

"He launched the Observatory’s PhD Programme in 1985, a scheme that continues to nurture new generations of astronomers to this day and oversaw the 1990 Bicentenary celebrations marking two centuries of astronomical research at Armagh.

"His tenure also saw significant refurbishment and modernisation of the historic Observatory, ensuring its continued scientific excellence and heritage preservation.

"After stepping down as Director in 1994, Dr de Groot continued his scientific pursuits, with his later work focusing on cosmology."

Professor Michael Burton, current Director of Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 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.”

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."