Jacobus Kapteyn was appointed professor of astronomy and theoretical mechanics in 1878 at a time when no astronomical tradition, let alone an observatory, existed in Groningen. Kapteyn's first "Astronomical Laboratory" was opened in 1896.
Jacobus Kapteyn was appointed professor of astronomy and theoretical mechanics in 1878 at a period when no astronomical heritage, let alone an observatory, existed in Groningen. Kapteyn's initial "Astronomical Laboratory" was inaugurated in 1896.