Jack Horkheimer facts for kids

Jack Horkheimer (born Foley Arthur Horkheimer; June 11, 1938 – August 20, 2010) was a well-known American astronomer and science communicator. He was the executive director of the Miami Space Transit Planetarium. Jack was most famous for his TV show, Jack Horkheimer: Star ..., which taught millions about the night sky. This popular astronomy show began airing on PBS on November 4, 1976.

Early Life and Education

Jack Horkheimer was born in 1938 in Randolph, Wisconsin. His family was quite well-off. His father, Arthur Philip Horkheimer, owned a publishing company and was the mayor of Randolph for 24 years. Jack started his journey in entertainment early. At just 15 years old, in 1953, he hosted a radio show on WBEV.

He graduated from Campion Jesuit High School in 1956. During his college summers, he traveled around the country. He played jazz music on the piano and organ, using the stage name "Horky." His agents later gave him the name "Jack Foley," which he eventually changed to "Jack Foley Horkheimer." He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Purdue University in 1963. He was recognized as a distinguished scholar.

In 1964, Jack moved to Miami, Florida, for health reasons. He started volunteering at the Miami Science Museum planetarium. His dedication led him to become its director in 1973.

A Career in the Stars

Jack Horkheimer began his astronomy career in 1964. He was 26 when he moved to Miami and met astronomer Arthur Smith. Smith was the president of the Miami Museum of Science. He also led the Southern Cross Astronomical Society. Jack started volunteering at the planetarium, writing shows. Soon, he was offered a job with the museum.

Arthur Smith asked Jack to manage the Miami Space Transit Planetarium when it opened in 1966. Jack's shows were a big hit. The planetarium went from losing money to making a profit. Jack worked his way up, becoming the planetarium's educational director. Eventually, he became the executive director.

Jack changed planetarium shows from simple science lectures. He turned them into exciting multimedia events. These included music, special lights, and engaging narration. In 1972, he created the famous Child of the Universe show. This show became popular and was used in other planetariums nationwide. The show even won an international award in 1976. Jack remained the executive director of the Miami Museum of Science's Space Transit Planetarium for 35 years. He retired in 2008.

In 1988, he produced Star of Bethlehem: A Mystery Revealed. For this show, he used computer programs. He projected three possible dates when planets might have lined up. These alignments could have been seen by the Magi as a sign of a great king's birth.

Media Appearances

Jack Horkheimer was well-known across the country. He often shared his thoughts on "astronomical events." He started as a science commentator for a local Miami news station in 1973. In 1986, he helped promote an event to view Halley's Comet. He even traveled on the supersonic Concorde plane towards the equator for this. He appeared on CNN many times, explaining solar eclipses. He even hosted shows on Cartoon Network, sharing his love for space.

Health Challenges

Jack Horkheimer was born with a long-term lung condition called bronchiectasis. This condition caused him to experience ongoing discomfort. Doctors did not diagnose his illness until he was 18 years old. During that time, he also had some side effects from medical X-ray treatments. In 1957, he had to leave the Honolulu Academy of Fine Arts. This was because doctors thought he might have tuberculosis. His health issues were a reason he moved to Miami in 1964. The warm, humid climate was thought to be helpful for his lungs.

Death

Jack Horkheimer passed away at his home in Florida on August 20, 2010. He was 72 years old. His death was connected to the lung condition he had lived with since he was a child. Jack never married and did not have any children. His passing was confirmed by his niece and by the Miami Science Museum, where he had worked for many years.

Awards and Honors

Jack Horkheimer received many awards throughout his life for his contributions to science education. Here are some of the major honors he earned:

• International Award for Multi-Media from the society of European astronomers (1976)
• Klumpke-Roberts Award presented by the Astronomical Society of the Pacific (2000)
• A main belt asteroid (1999 FD9) was renamed 11409 Horkheimer by the International Astronomical Union (2001)
• 25th Anniversary Classic Telly Award for Star Gazer (2003)
• Silver Medallion Award from the city of Miami
• Pisa Delombo Award for service to scientific education
• Honorary Doctorate Degree presented by the International Fine Arts College
• 12 Good Men Award from Ronald McDonald House
• Outstanding Contributions Award from the United States House of Representatives
• Outstanding Achievement Award from the Astronomical League

See also

• Patrick Moore (British counterpart)