Hubert Reeves was a Canadian astrophysicist who became a science icon thanks to his appearances on television shows and science documentaries, as well as his work discussing ecological issues.
- Died: October 13, 2023 (Who else died on October 13?)
- Details of death: Died in Paris at the age of 91.
- We invite you to share condolences for Hubert Reeves in our Guest Book.
Hubert Reeves’s legacy
Born in Montreal, Canada, Reeves earned degrees from Université de Montréal and McGill University, as well as his doctorate from Cornell University, before entering the world of astrophysics. In the 1960s, he taught at Université de Montréal and was a NASA advisor. In 1965, he became Director of Research at the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS).
Reeves’ loves were both large – the universe as a whole – and local, as seen in his passion for environmentalism. He served as president of the environmental organization Humanity and Biodiversity, and when not appearing on television discussing and promoting astrophysics and science, he discussed issues related to planet Earth and the environment. His work earned him the Prix Jules Janssen, the most prestigious award from the Société astronomique de France.
Reeves’ honors included being named a Knight of the Ordre national du Mérite and Knight of the Légion d’Honneur in France, and he was a Grand Officer of the National Order of Quebec. Asteroid (9631) Hubertreeves is named after him. He also authored or co-authored such works as “Atoms of Silence: An Exploration of Cosmic Evolution” and “Origins: Speculations on the Cosmos, Earth and Mankind.”
Notable quote
“Astronomy, by telling us the history of the universe, tells us where we come from, how we came to be here today. Ecology, by making us aware of the threats weighing on our future, aims to tell us how to stay there.”—from “Atoms of Silence: An Exploration of Cosmic Evolution”
Tributes to Hubert Reeves
Full obituary: Montreal Gazette
