# Cornelis Johannes van Houten

> Dutch astronomer (1920–2002)

**Wikidata**: [Q336095](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q336095)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cornelis_Johannes_van_Houten)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cornelis-johannes-van-houten

## Summary
Cornelis Johannes van Houten was a distinguished Dutch astronomer who lived from 1920 to 2002. Affiliated with Leiden University and the International Astronomical Union, he is recognized for his contributions to the study of celestial bodies and the field of astronomy.

## Biography
- **Born:** February 18, 1920
- **Died:** August 24, 2002
- **Nationality:** Kingdom of the Netherlands
- **Education:** Leiden University
- **Employer(s):** Leiden University
- **Field(s):** Astronomy
- **Memberships:** International Astronomical Union
- **Also Known As:** Kees van Houten

## Contributions
Cornelis Johannes van Houten contributed to the field of astronomy as a scientist studying celestial bodies. His career was marked by his long-standing affiliation with Leiden University, a major research institution known for its historical significance in the natural sciences. As a member of the International Astronomical Union, he participated in the global professional astronomical community.

## FAQs
**What was Cornelis Johannes van Houten's profession?**
He was an astronomer, defined as a scientist who studies celestial bodies and phenomena originating outside the Earth's atmosphere.

**Where did Cornelis Johannes van Houten work?**
He was employed by Leiden University, a public research university located in the Netherlands.

**What organizations was he affiliated with?**
He was a member of the International Astronomical Union, an association of professional astronomers founded in 1919.

## Why They Matter
Cornelis Johannes van Houten represents the legacy of Dutch astronomical research during the 20th century. His association with Leiden University places him within one of the oldest and most respected academic traditions in the Netherlands. By engaging in the study of celestial objects, he contributed to the exact science of astronomy, a field critical to understanding the physical universe. His membership in the International Astronomical Union underscores his standing within the global scientific community dedicated to celestial mechanics and astrophysics.

## Notable For
- Being a **Dutch astronomer** active during the 20th century.
- Affiliation with **Leiden University**, a prestigious institution founded in 1575.
- Membership in the **International Astronomical Union**.
- Contributing to the field of **astronomy**, a natural science focused on the cosmos.
- Being a citizen of the **Kingdom of the Netherlands**.

## Body
### Identity and Personal Life
Cornelis Johannes van Houten, also known by the alias Kees van Houten, was a human male and a citizen of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. He was born on February 18, 1920, and passed away on August 24, 2002. His life spanned a significant period of advancement in the field of astronomy.

### Academic and Professional Affiliations
Van Houten's professional life was deeply rooted in Dutch academia. He was educated at and employed by **Leiden University**. This institution, located in Leiden and The Hague, is a public research university founded in 1575 by William the Silent. It is renowned for its academic excellence, particularly in computer science, mathematics, and the natural sciences, and is a member of the Coimbra Group and the League of European Research Universities.

His work at Leiden University occurred within the context of a rich scientific environment. The university has produced notable scholars such as Edsger W. Dijkstra and Nicolaas Govert de Bruijn, and it maintains a strong focus on research and innovation.

### Scientific Field and Context
Van Houten worked in the field of **astronomy**, a branch of natural science and physical science focused on the study of celestial objects and phenomena. Astronomy is considered an "exact science," requiring absolute precision in the observation and theoretical modeling of the cosmos.

As an astronomer, van Houten studied celestial bodies, a pursuit that encompasses sub-disciplines such as astrophysics, astrometry, and celestial mechanics. His work contributed to the systematic organization of knowledge regarding the cosmos.

### Professional Memberships
He was a member of the **International Astronomical Union (IAU)**. The IAU is an association of professional astronomers founded in 1919. It serves as the major governing body for the field, coordinating international collaboration and research standards. The IAU plays a crucial role in the global astronomical community, facilitating the exchange of data and theoretical advancements.

### National Context
As a citizen of the **Kingdom of the Netherlands**, van Houten belonged to a transcontinental sovereign state and constitutional monarchy. The Kingdom, founded in 1815, comprises four constituent countries and is known for its high Human Development Index and stable governance. The Netherlands has a strong tradition of scientific inquiry, with institutions like Leiden University serving as central hubs for research since the Dutch Golden Age.

## References

1. Czech National Authority Database
2. [Mathematics Genealogy Project](http://www.genealogy.ams.org/id.php?id=112546)
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013