TAC Dad Tom VanDamme Demonstrates Celestial Motion for Students

At Thomas Aquinas College, sophomores embark on a journey of astronomical mathematics. They begin with Ptolemy of Ancient Greece, then explore the works of his successors. “‘We study these things as a chronicle of humanity’s striving to apprehend the universe around it,” says Tutor Dr. Christopher Oleson. “Not only is it important, it’s wonderful.”

The father of two TAC seniors, Tom VanDamme recently came to the California campus to present his company’s Horizon Globe, an armillary designed to visualize Ptolemy’s model of the universe and its motion. Made up of discs, rings, and magnets, the globe helps astronomy newcomers make sense of the at-times confounding movement of stars and planets.

Mr. VanDamme demonstrated the device’s motion with jokes and mnemonics, while also reflecting on the importance of astronomy. “Historically, [astronomy] is one of humanity’s first sciences. They started from meticulous observation of a wide host of these things, the stars, and put it all together into theories and proofs. And it all started by paying attention to the cosmos,” he continued. “It’s something anyone can do at home, right in their backyard!”

When asked about his favorite aspect of astronomy, Mr. VanDamme replied, “I love the wonder and awe it inspires. Not only that, but anywhere I am, I can figure out where most stars and planets are in the sky. I just need to know where the sun is and the time of day and — just like that — I’ve got it,” he grinned. “It’s a wonderful trick to show friends and family.”