Oort Cloud Fountain (Oortwolkfontein) Franeker

The fountain pays homage to the world-famous astronomer Jan Hendrik Oort, who was born in Franeker. He postulated that our solar system is surrounded by a "cloud" of billions of comet-like objects. The fountain appears as a series of waterfalls that flow vertically into the basin from a bowl along a dark string of pearls.

This fountain was designed by the French artist Jean-Michel Othoniel. The fountain commemorates Jan Hendrik Oort, who was born in Franeker. He was the one who came up with the idea that there would be a cloud of billions of comet-like objects in our solar system. His assumption led to an important breakthrough in astronomy. The fountain is prominently located in front of the Martinikerk in the centre of Franeker.