**Herman Zanstra** (3 November 1894 – 2 October 1984) was a distinguished Frisian/Dutch astronomer celebrated for his pioneering contributions to astrophysics. Born in Heerenveen, Netherlands, Zanstra was a Projector in Human Design, a type characterized by the ability to guide and provide insights to others. This aspect of his design profoundly influenced his collaborative approach and innovative thinking throughout his career, particularly in his significant work on gaseous nebulae.

As a Projector, Zanstra operated with a Splenic Inner Authority, meaning he relied on his intuition and instinctual responses to navigate his professional journey. His strategy of “waiting for the invitation” allowed him to build upon existing knowledge and engage with fellow scientists effectively, leading to groundbreaking discoveries. His academic path began with an Engineer’s degree in chemical engineering from the Delft Institute of Technology, where he also spent two years teaching high school. During this time, he authored a theoretical paper on relative motion that garnered the attention of William Francis Gray Swann, prompting him to pursue a Ph.D. in theoretical physics at the University of Minnesota. His dissertation, “A Study of Relative Motion in Connection with Classical Mechanics” (1923), laid the foundation for his later achievements.

Zanstra’s postdoctoral work at Caltech culminated in the publication of his landmark paper, “An Application of the Quantum Theory to the Luminosity of Diffuse Nebulae.” This work introduced the “Zanstra method,” which quantitatively assessed the luminosity of nebulas and comets, showcasing his ability to synthesize complex ideas and collaborate effectively—a hallmark of his Projector nature.

In addition to his scientific endeavors, Zanstra possessed a profound interest in philosophy and religion, which was reflected in his book, “The Construction of Reality: Lectures on the Philosophy of Science, Theory of Knowledge and the Relation Between Body, Mind and Personality” (1962). This work explored metaphysical themes and included his experiences with automatic handwriting. His Human Design profile as a 4/6 illustrates a blend of practical wisdom and a role model for others, which he embodied through his teaching and lectures at the Studievereniging voor Psychical Research in Haarlem from 1962 to 1971.

Zanstra’s legacy is further commemorated by the lunar crater Zanstra and the asteroid 2945 Zanstra, both named in recognition of his astronomical contributions. In October 1961, he was awarded the Gold Medal of the Royal Astronomical Society for his work on gaseous nebulae. He passed away on 2 October 1984 in Haarlem, leaving behind a rich legacy in both science and philosophy. His insights, shaped by his unique Human Design, continue to inspire future generations of scientists and thinkers.