Belgian astronomer Eric Elst died in Antwerp on Sunday at the age of 85, the Mira Public Observatory announced on Twitter on Thursday.
From 1986 to 2002, this scientist born in Mortsel (province of Antwerp) discovered no less than 3,760 asteroids, making him man by having detected, alone and without the help of automated systems. today, the greatest number.
Many of these asteroids have been given names related to Belgium, such as Jacques Brel, Julie and Melissa, Damien (du Père Damien), Mercator, Frimout, Solvay, Magritte, Eddy Wally (singer), Memling (painter), Kim Clijsters, or Baekeland (chemist).
Beyond the names of famous people in Belgian history, the Sabena company, as well as the cities of Ostend, Bruges and Ghent, have also received the honor of having their name attributed to an asteroid discovered by Eric Elst.
As an astronomer, Elst was a “representative of the previous generation,” said Philippe Mollet of the Mira Observatory. “The work Elst did by hand, so to speak, is now done using automated systems. Elst may be ‘only’ eleventh in the ranking of most discoveries, but he doesn ‘is preceded only by such systems and a trio of researchers. “
Eric Elst was “obviously not a 19th century astronomer”, points out M. Mollet, “but he also did not have the fully computerized systems that scientists use today, and to do what can now be done. from an office in Uccle, for example, he had to go on an expedition to Bulgaria or Chile “.
He was “certainly not a boring scientist,” adds Philippe Mollet. “He was passionate about his work but also a free thinker who had a clear opinion on subjects other than astronomy, for which he could be brilliant.” “His broad interests, for example in classical music, also permeated the names he gave to asteroids.”
It is still possible to meditate in front of Elst’s body until Friday (tomorrow) at the Urania Astronomical Observatory in Hove (province of Antwerp). Farewells are scheduled for Sunday, also in Urania.