Jaap has been involved with Astronomy from the age of 13 . He has taught , toured , travelled to other islands , organized and participated in Youth Camps for Astronomy ( IAYC ), co-founded International Workshops for Astronomy and the list goes on . Japp is now retired and lives on the Dutch Caribbean of Sint Eustatius with his wife , Rianne .
Having worked in the field of Astronomy for so many years , Japp ’ s dream was to take the knowledge he has acquired and bring it to St . Eustatius . For him that would be a dream come true – astronomy and the planetarium world brought to the small island he now called home . That dream was realized . In December 2019 , he was the recipient of a grant from the Van Dishoeck & De Zeeuw fund . With the grant , presented to him by the President of the International Astronomical Union ( IAU ), Ewine van Dishoeck , coupled with a contribution from the Carib Trails fund , they were able to purchase a beautiful Planetarium in Spain . This planetarium now sits on the Berkel Plantation on St . Eustatius . With its beautiful , dark skies , there is a lot of interest in Astronomy on Statia . When the Planetarium opened its doors on February 23 , 2021 , the response was overwhelming and all shows were fully booked . There are no astronomy clubs on the island , but residents are eager to begin classes and activities .
A Planetarium on this small island of about 3,500 people is an exciting addition . An interactive experience is offered , with a base line story requiring input from the audience which is valuable and guides the show . The sky at night is a starting point as they digitally proceed to the planets and stars . They have software comparable with larger planetariums of the world and visualizations of the latest discoveries like Black Holes are possible .
“ All over the world you see a positive influence on learning by visiting a planetarium on a regular base . It is no difference on Statia and we hope to motivate youngsters in the field of Science and especially Astronomy ,” Japp said . “ We live in a more visual learning world and what a contribution we can make for the youngsters on our Island !”
The planetarium is now semi-mobile but will soon have a permanent home . Before this happens , however , Japp would like to head out with it on tours to neighbouring islands reminiscent of tours he did while teaching in the Netherlands .
It is intended to add the Planetarium to the list of tourist attractions on the island with a nominal fee for entry . Mr . Ishmael Berkel on whose property the Planetarium is located , expressed : “ The future is bright , and we are here to ensure that all Statians , big and small , have a chance to enjoy it . We also envision that tourists visiting our island will be able to have this attraction added to their vacation experience .”
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Ishmael Berkel