The city of Gdańsk launches preparations for the 400th jubilee of astronomer Jan Heweliusz.
The name of Jan Heweliusz or Johannes Hevelius immediately brings associations with astronomy but the man, born in 17th-century Gdańsk, came from a wealthy beer brewing family and even headed the brewers’ guild for some time. He was a city councillor, then mayor of Gdańsk, but astronomy was his great love. His observatory in Gdańsk was visited by royalty.
Nowadays Gdańsk not only has a beer that commemorates Hevelius. His research has become the foundation for an altogether novel approach to science… and celebration. This year, the celebrations of Hevelius’ 398th birthday were an early indication of future things. Also, at the end of January, the Hevelius Prize, or the Gdańsk Sciences Prize, sometimes named the Gdańsk Nobel, was awarded to two researchers: professor Ryszard Horodecki, the quantum information genius, and sociologist Marek Latoszek for his work on Solidarity. The Hevelius Prize has been awarded for more than 20 years.
Some of Hevelius’ astronomical observations have remained important to this day – and seven constellations he named are still recognized – including Scutum or the Shield, named for King Jan Sobieski, after the Victory at the Battle of Vienna.
Click on the audio icon to listen to the report by Elżbieta Krajewska.