Astrophysicist Harald Lesch: A life for the universe and science!

Astrophysicist Harald Lesch: A life for the universe and science!

The renowned astrophysicist and science journalist Harald Lesch has made a distinctive name for himself in the world of science and media. Today, June 20, 2025, ARD will shed light on his remarkable career and his activities in science communication. Lesch, born on July 28, 1960 in Gießen, is a professor of theoretical astrophysics at the Ludwig Maximilians University in Munich and also teaches natural philosophy at the S.J. University of Philosophy. in Munich. His main research areas include cosmic plasma physics, black holes and neutron stars, which have brought him not only academic recognition but also wide publicity through his media appearances.

As a member of the “Astronomy in Teaching and Teaching” commission, Lesch is also committed to promoting astronomy in education. He became famous through the television showalpha Centauri, in which he introduced viewers to the basics of the universe as well as distant galaxies and the solar system. This series, which was broadcast from 1998 to 2007, inspired many people to become interested in science.

A life for science

Harald Lesch comes from a family of innkeepers in Nieder-Ohmen, Hesse, where his father worked as a high-voltage electrician. Despite initial difficulties at school, which were characterized by special mathematics lessons and a serious bicycle accident, Lesch managed to obtain his Abitur in 1978. His academic career took him to the Justus Liebig University of Gießen and the University of Bonn, where he completed his physics diploma in 1984. In 1987 he received his doctorate at the Max Planck Institute for Radio Astronomy.

Between 1988 and 1995, Lesch worked in various scientific positions, including as a research assistant at the Heidelberg-Königstuhl State Observatory and as a research assistant at the Max Planck Institute for Radio Astronomy in Bonn. In 1992 he spent time as a visiting professor at the University of Toronto and completed his habilitation in 1994 at the University of Bonn. In 2010, the asteroid (35357) Haraldlesch was named in his honor.

Commitment to society

Since 1995, Lesch has been a professor of astrophysics at the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich and at the same time works as an expert in astrophysics for the German Research Foundation (DFG). In addition to his academic obligations, Lesch is active in public. He organizes various scientific discourses and takes part in panel discussions, including a discussion about UFOs in 1994. Topics such as climate change and the role of electric cars are particularly important to him, on which he has expressed different opinions over the years.

His commitment is also reflected in his role on the advisory board of the Heraeus Educational Foundation and the Bavarian Climate Council. In 2023, Lesch took part in demonstrations to protest the crackdown on the Last Generation environmental movement. He also runs the YouTube channel together with othersBig Bang, space and life, which also contributes to the popularization of science.

Harald Lesch is not only academically successful, but also active as an author. He has published numerous books and audio books on the topics of astrophysics and philosophy. Lesch sees no contradiction in science and religion, which makes him a sought-after speaker in interdisciplinary discussions. His charisma and expertise make him a key figure in modern science communication.

Finally, it is important to acknowledge Harald Lesch's influence on science and society. His achievements as a science journalist and teacher have contributed to making complex scientific topics understandable to a broader public.

For further information about Harald Lesch, please visit the ARD media library at ARD media library and the Wikipedia page Wikipedia.