The Legacy of J.C. Kapteyn

Jacobus Cornelius Kapteyn (1851-1922) of the University of Groningen was one of the foremost astronomers of his time, resulting in a leading role internationally of Dutch astronomy throughout the twentieth century. This volume, which is the proceedings of a special `legacy' symposium at the celebration of the 385th anniversary of the University of Groningen, addresses Kapteyn's influence on the development of modern astronomy through studies of his pioneering work on statistical astronomy and the Structure of the Sidereal System, and his leadership in establishing international collaborations, in particular the Plan of Selected Areas. In addition to historical studies related to Kapteyn's person, work, international collaborations and organisational efforts, the volume discusses the influence of Kapteyn on the internationalisation of astronomy and on contemporary astronomy. It also provides an inventory of Kapteyn's correspondence.

Inhalt

Preface. Meeting Kapteyn in the Kapteyn Room; A. Blaauw. 2. The `Lost Letters' of J.C. Kapteyn; P. van der Heijden. 3. Kapteyn and Groningen: A Portrait; W.E. Krul. 4. Kapteyn and de Sitter; a Rare and Special Teacher-Student and Coach-Player Relationship; W.R. de Sitter. 5. Kapteyn and South Africa; M. Feast. 6. Internationalism, Kapteyn and the Dutch Pipeline; D.H. De Vorkin. 7. Growing Astronomers for Export: Dutch Astronomers in the United States before World War II; K. van Berkel. 8. Kapteyn and Cosmology; R.W. Smith. 9. Kapteyn, Shapley, and their Universes; O. Gingerich. 10. Kapteyn and the Selected Areas: a Personal Perspective; T.D. Kinman. 11. Kapteyn's Influence on the Style and Content of Twentieth Century Dutch Astronomy; W.T. Sullivan, III. 12. Surveys and Star Counts: the Kapteyn Legacy; G. Gilmore. 13. Modern Astrometry; M. Perryman. 14. The Milky Way Compared to External Galaxies; P.C. van der Kruit. 15. Kapteyn's (m, log r) Table and Cosmology; M. Schmidt. 16. Kapteyn's Unfortunate Universe; L. Woltjer. Appendices.