Jean Meeus obtained a Master's degree in mathematics ("licentiaat") from the university of Leuven in 1953. He worked as a meteorologist at Brussels Airport until his retirement. As an amateur astronomer he has authored books, articles and almanacs that generated and continue to generate significant interest among a broad audience including laypersons as well as professional scientists. Much of his work is characterised by the combination of elementary, low-threshold explanations with a high degree of precision and completeness. He has also taken a sharply critical position against astrology, ufology and other forms of pseudoscience.