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Gideon van Buitenen

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Gideon van Buitenen
Citizenship NED the Netherlands
EducationDevelstein College (secondary school; graduated 1999)
Delft University of Technology (graduated 2001; studied Computer Science)
Hogeschool Schumann Akademie (2007-10)
Occupation(s)Computer Scientist
Astronomer (Amateur)
Years active2002-
Employer(s)Lucrasoft ICT Groep (1 September 2017-)
BluJay Solutions, formerly Kewill (1st August 2015-31 August 2017)
PERFECTVIEW (QA Coordinator; 2002-05)
Four Soft Netherlands B.V.
Known forDeveloping the software for astro.vanbuitenen.nl
Spouse? (6 July 2006-)
RelativesEvely de Waard (Cousin)
Websitehttp://astro.vanbuitenen.nl

Gideon van Buitenen is a Dutch amateur Astronomer and Software Developer who works for Lucrasoft ICT Groep.[1]

Early Life and Education

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Van Buitenen was interested in astronomy since his childhood. He went to Develstein College for his secondary education and graduated in 1999, later attenting Delft University of Technology, graduating with a degree in Computer Science in 2001, together with Michiel de Wit, and later attending Hogeschool Schumann Akademie between 2007-10.[2] He later sutdied Jazz Violin at Artem Arnhem.[3]

Career

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Van Buitenen currently works as a Software Developer at the Lucrasoft ICT Groep since September 1, 2017. He has previously worked with BlueJay Solutions, formerly Kewill, between August 1, 2015 – August 31, 2017, PERFECTVIEW as (QA Coordinator) from (2002-2005) and Four Soft Netherlands B.V..[4]

Astronomical career

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Beginnings

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Van Buitenen has said that he reignited his interest in astronomy a few years ago through the media-hype surrounding the comet ISON (C/2012 S1). Being eager to see the so-called "comet of the century" himself, he got himself a low-cost 5" Newtonian telescope and observed just about everything it allowed him to see.

Reignited Interest in Astronomy

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Van Buitenen's interest in astronomy led him to want to see and capture astronomical images himself, instead of seeing pictures by someone else. He convinced himself that he should go into visual astronomy and giving into his 'aperture fever', he ugraded to a 12" dobsonian, 'light-bucket', telescope.

Further Observing

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Having had the chance to see nearly all the Messier objects, many objects from the New General Catalogue, all Major planets, some Minor planets (including Pluto) and a few Near-Earth asteroids, he maintains a primary interest in comets, saying that it's "probably because they require a bit of a chase" as a reason why.[5]

Observation Locations

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Like many observers,[clarification needed]}[who?][which?][where?] his observing locations, are in light-polluted suburbs. Nevertheless, he has been able to travel to various dark locations, choosing Domaine de Pradines in the cevennes of France, with a view identical to many astronomers, that darker skies in astronomy are the best skies.

Astro.vanbuitenen.nl

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During cloudier nights, his interest in the physics and mathematics behind astronomy, and also Computer programming to support his hobby have led to his design and creation of his website, saying that it evolved from his desire of putting automated, real-time information on visual comets online.

Reliability

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Despite being a self-made astronomer, van Buitenen has earned a measure of reliability, credibility and trust for his works, due to their accuracy.[6] His website is sometimes a source for referencing by other websites.[7][8][9]

Personal life

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Van Buitenen has been married since July 6, 2006 and lives in Dordrecht, South Holland, the Netherlands.[10] He has a cousin named Evely de Waard.[11]

References

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  1. ^ Gideon van Buitenen's Official Website
  2. ^ Van Buitenen's Early Life
  3. ^ Gideon van Buitenen's Official Facebook Profile
  4. ^ Gideon van Buitenen's employment history on his official Facebook profile since 2002
  5. ^ Why Gideon van Buitenen prefers comets to others on astro.vanbuitenen.nl
  6. ^ Gideon van Buitenen's 2023A3 data estimates
  7. ^ Alpo-astronomy comet reports
  8. ^ Gideon van Buitenen's info on Rocketreach
  9. ^ About ccdguide.com and external acknowledgments on the about page
  10. ^ Gideon van Buitenen on astrodon.social
  11. ^ About Gideon van Buitenen on Facebook
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