Theo Jurriëns is an astronomer and communications adviser at the Faculty of Science and Engineering of the University of Groningen. Over several decades he has built a reputation as one of the Netherlands' most active science communicators, reaching school pupils through the RUG Discovery truck, writing for regional media, and organising public observation events. Solar eclipses are his signature subject - he has witnessed ten of them in person, travelling worldwide to do so.
Jurriëns was present on August 12, 2026 at the RUG observation point in Noordpolderzijl for the nearly complete solar eclipse (90%) that was visible in the Netherlands.
Weekly magazine De Terschellinger published an interview with Jurriëns about his experiences at solar eclipses worldwide, from Siberia to the Libyan desert.
In preparation for the solar eclipse of August 12, Jurriëns gave a series of free mini-lectures about the sun at libraries along the Northern coast.
Jurriëns organized boat trips on the Wadden Sea and Lake Lauwers for the solar eclipse; the interest was so great that almost three boats were soon full.
Jurriëns launched a RUG project in which fifteen primary schools and five secondary schools in Northern Netherlands carry out monthly astronomy assignments with compact telescopes.
A guided tour of the night sky with natural scientist Theo Jurriens, who shares insights into the stars. Telescopes available to borrow on site.
Guided stargazing walk led by natural scientist Theo Jurriens, with telescopes available to borrow.
Astronomer Theo Jurriëns guides you through stars, comets and satellites visible in the night sky.
A guided stargazing walk led by natural scientist Theo Jurriens, with the chance to borrow a telescope from the library.
Guided stargazing walk with natural scientist Theo Jurriens. The library also lends telescopes for independent exploration of the night sky.
Guided stargazing walk with natural scientist Theo Jurriens, with access to telescopes rented by the library.
A guided stargazing walk led by natural scientist Theo Jurriens, with the option to borrow a telescope from the library.
Guided stargazing walk with natural scientist Theo Jurriens. Telescope available to explore the night sky.
Guided stargazing walk with natural scientist Theo Jurriens. Explore the night sky and borrow a telescope from the library.