- 'John Hevelius appears as an unusual character, outstanding against the background of the epoch, but also a man of flesh and blood, experiencing ups and downs, dilemmas and raptures,' - says dr hab. Sławomir Kościelak, prof. UG, researcher and expert on the modern history of Gdańsk from the Faculty of History UG. The debate devoted to one of Gdańsk's most eminent scholars and a well-known figure associated with the city on the Motława River will be held at the Hevelianum.

The debate entitled 'Unobvious stories. Hevelius and his city' is scheduled for November 25, 2021 (Thursday) in the conference centre Wozownia Artyleryjska on the premises of the Gdańsk Hevelianum. This is another point of the year-long celebration of the 410th birthday of the outstanding astronomer and citizen of Gdańsk, which brings closer the life and achievements of the famous scientist.

The panellists of the debate will be dr hab. Sławomir Kościelak, prof. UG from the Faculty of History of the University of Gdańsk, dr Anna Walczak, director of the Gdańsk Library of the Polish Academy of Sciences, dr Janusz Dargacz, head of the Department of History of the Gdańsk Museum, and the meeting will be hosted by dr Jan Daniluk.

The jubilee year has become an opportunity for monthly events, allowing you to get to know the scientist, astronomical phenomena or scientific curiosities and anecdotes. Dr hab. Sławomir Kościelak, prof. UG from the Faculty of History UG, an expert on this figure and the history of Gdańsk, sharing his knowledge about the famous astronomer and Gdańsk citizen, encourages historians and enthusiasts of the city by the Motława river to listen to the debate in the Hevelianum - both in person and online.

Astronomer, artist, constructor and brewer

John Hevelius became famous first of all as an astronomer, an expert on the Moon's surface, a researcher of movements of planets in the solar system, a discoverer of stars and constellations. - 'However, he was also a very good artist - graphic artist, engraver, illustrator of his works, goldsmith and woodcarver,' - explains dr hab. Sławomir Kościelak, prof. UG.

As he claims, Hevelius constructed very precise astronomical instruments himself. - 'He ground lenses for them, was interested in the theory of pendulum clocks, invented several devices, including a prototype of a periscope (called a polemoscope), a micrometre screw, and co-discovered such issues as age-old changes in magnetic declination,' - he adds.

And yet - without omitting some threads of his scientific biography - the aim of the debate will be, according to dr hab. Sławomir Kościelak, prof. UG - above all to show Hevelius as a man of his era, a wealthy citizen of Gdańsk, fulfilling himself not only in scientific activity but also in work for his family and the city.

- 'Hevelius was a representative of a family which for several generations had lived in the city by the Motława river, belonging to the so-called commoners, that is the middle class of the bourgeoisie, and within it - to a group of craftsmen who were not averse to trading in grain and money speculation,' - explains dr hab. Sławomir Kościelak, prof. UG.

The Hevelke family was known for its brewing traditions and - living initially in the Main Town - were involved in the production of one of the most famous beverages in Gdańsk at that time - Jopje beer.

Patrician, councillor and businessman

- 'Increasing wealth and respect from fellow citizens enabled John's grandfather and father to become members of the Third Ordinance, a body representing merchants and craftsmen. But it was John who, having married a wealthy inhabitant of the Old Town - Katarzyna Rebeschke - not only moved into this part of Gdańsk but also made a patrician career here as the first of the Hevelke family,' - he adds.

As emphasized by dr hab. Sławomir Kościelak, prof. UG, Hevelius was first a juror of the Old Town, then a councillor of this city, and as a councillor - many times a so-called judge (that is a supervisor/moderator of the Council's bench) and a spokesman (expressing an opinion on behalf of the members of this body - one vote at meetings held jointly with the Main Town Council).

Thus, for nearly four decades he was among the politicians of Gdańsk, who were responsible for important and far-reaching decisions of the city in this very turbulent period (Swedish wars, political struggles for power in the city between the patriciate and the commoners, religious animosities).

- 'Hevelius was at the same time still a brewer, running a brewery business in both the Main and Old Town, investing in real estate, founding his own printing house. He was able to apply for scholarships and grants from monarchs and scientific societies and created a successful family,' - convinces dr hab. Sławomir Kościelak, prof. UG. - 'Especially his second wife, much younger Catherine Elisabeth née Koopmann, became his devoted life companion and engaged in running the observatory.' - he adds.

Hevelius had several children with her, including three daughters who lived to a ripe old age. Catherine Elisabeth was his support after the great tragedy of the fire of 1679, which destroyed the astronomer's scientific and material achievements.

- 'In the light of this information, John Hevelius appears as an unusual character, distinguished against the background of the era, but also a man of flesh and blood, experiencing ups and downs, dilemmas and raptures. Showing such Hevelius is the goal of Thursday's debate at the Hevelianum in Gdańsk bearing his name,' - encourages dr hab. Sławomir Kościelak, prof. UG.

The debate entitled "Unobvious stories. Hevelius and his city will take place on November 25th, 2021. (Thursday), at 5 p.m. in the conference centre Wozownia Artyleryjska on the premises of the Gdańsk Hevelianum.

The debate will be broadcast on Facebook and YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7wEOlRsLl0).

The full programme of the celebrations is available at https://janheweliusz.pl/.