ABSTRACT
An overview is given of Anton Pannekoek’s life as an astronomer, from his first steps at age twelve as an amateur until the end of his life. Particular attention is given to the interactions between his political activities and his astronomical career. Although Pannekoek was employed full-time in the service of the German Social Democratic Party in the years 1906-1914 and had intensive contacts with Lenin in the period 1913-1920, he remained involved in astronomy in his spare time, which enabled him to return to an astronomical career in 1919. Here we describe the events which led to his appointment at the University of Amsterdam, the founding of its Astronomical Institute in 1921, his Milky Way research, and his work as founder of astrophysical research in the Netherlands.
