Alexander J. Dessler

1928 - 2023

Alexander J. Dessler

October 21, 1928 - April 9, 2023

It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Dr. Alexander J. Dessler, at age 94, in Bryan, Texas. A visionary space scientist, Alex founded the first university department dedicated to its study at Rice University, where he taught for 30 years. This department produced over 250 Ph.D. scientists, including several national leaders.

 

Alex contributed to understanding the magnetic fields of the sun, Earth, and other planets, as well as the solar wind. He coined the term "heliosphere" for the sun-dominated region of space. Beloved by colleagues and students, Alex's wit, generosity, and care left a lasting impression.

 

Alex earned his bachelor's degree from Caltech in 1952 and a doctorate in physics from Duke University in 1956. After eight years at Lockheed in Palo Alto, he joined Rice. He chaired the Space Science Department for multiple terms and from 1982-1986, he directed the Space Science Laboratory at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center.

 

Retiring from Rice in 1993, Alex became a research scientist at the University of Arizona's Lunar and Planetary Laboratory for 14 years before joining Texas A&M University in 2007 as an adjunct professor in Atmospheric Science, where his son, Andrew, is a professor.

 

We will remember Alex as brilliant, warm, and engaging. Passionate about flying as a private pilot, he was also dedicated to addressing climate change. Alex loved dogs, treasuring their companionship and loyalty, and was cherished by family and friends.

 

Predeceased by his wife, Lorraine Dessler; and daughter, Valerie Greider, Alex is survived by son, Andrew Dessler; daughter, Pauline Dessler; and another son, David Dessler, who passed away shortly after Alex. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to the Dessler-Greider Fund for Physics and Astronomy at Rice University (giving.rice.edu).