Botjes Planetarium

Apart from the world-renowned Eise Eisinga Planetarium in Franeker there’s still another particular planetarium: the planetarium of Wildrik Botjes from Oude Pekela in the province of Groningen.

One and a half centuries ago, Botjes, originally a watchmaker, built two planetariums. During the past months one of them, an octagonal one, was restored by clockmaker Jacob ten Hoeve in Joure.

Besides the configuration of the planets and the stars, also the phases of the moon are represented as well as the sunrise and sunset times and a calendar that demonstrates the position of the sun compared to the constellations.

It remains a mystery, where Botjes built his two planetariums and where he, as a ‘humble’ watchmaker, acquired the knowledge to construct such a complex planetarium. When the restoration is completed the public will again be able to admire it in the Eise Eisenga Planetarium in Franeker.

Share this page with friends

More information

Do you have questions about this design, or do you want to know more about the Botjes Planetarium?