José Bonnet
José Bonnet Casciaro (1942 – 23 June 2026) was a Spanish writer, politician, science communicator, astronomer and Merchant Navy captain from Cartagena. Bonnet co-founded the regional Cantonal Party with Julio Frigard Romero, Carlos Romero Galiana, and Luís Ruipérez.[1] In 1979, Bonnet was elected to the first Cartegena City Council during the Spanish transition to democracy.[1]
Bonnet was a captain in the Merchant Navy.[1] While sailing for the Merchant Navy, he developed a deep interest in astronomy from his professional experience using navigation and nautical astronomy.[1] Beginning in the 1980s, Bonett established the Astronomical Association of Cartagena (la Asociación Astronómica de Cartagena) to promote science and astronomy in the city.[1] He headed the Astronomical Association for decades and created conferences, programs, and courses for students and the general public.[1] In 2012, Bonnet Casciaro opened Cartagena's new Astronomical Observatory, which includes an observatory, classrooms, and training centers.[1]
He authored several books and publications on navigation, astronomy, and history. His works included "Cartagena 92. Indefensión y ruina", ""Pacífico. El lago español",[2] and "La conjura de los perdedores".[1]
Bonnet remained a proponent of Cartagena and the surrounding region.[1] In October 2018, during a ceremony honoring members of the first democratically elected members of the Cartagena City Council, Bonnet called for cooperation to promote the interests of Cartagena.[1]
References
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 "Muere José Bonnet Casciaro, exconcejal de Cartagena, fundador del Partido Cantonal y pionero de la astronomía en Cartagena". Cartegena Plaza (in Spanish). 2026-06-23. Archived from the original on 2026-06-24. Retrieved 2026-06-30.
- ↑ "José Bonnet presenta "Pacífico. El lago español"". Ayuntamiento Cartagena (in Spanish). 30 October 2019. Retrieved 30 June 2026.
- ↑ "Fallece a los 84 años José Bonnet, exconcejal de Cartagena y divulgador de la astronomía". La Opinión de Murcia (in Spanish). 23 June 2026. Retrieved 30 June 2026.