Two Centuries in the Life of a Stargazer

As early as at the age of nine, Jiří Grygar told his parents he wanted to become a stargazer. He was already captivated by the idea that there were ways to learn about the nature of the things that we cannot touch or influence in any way. Yet, by observing them from afar, meticulously recording the observations, and reflecting on the insights gained, we can uncover the secrets of the nature and evolution of the universe. Despite some challenges, his dream of becoming an astronomer eventually came true. In his autobiography, he shares the stories of the people he encountered throughout his life, who shaped not only his remarkable career in astronomy but also his personal journey.