Alexander J. Dessler

Alexander J. Dessler
Dessler (left) with other chairs of the Space Science Department
Born(1928-10-21)October 21, 1928
DiedApril 9, 2023(2023-04-09) (aged 94)
Alma materCalifornia Institute of Technology,
Duke University
Known forEarth's Magnetosphere; Jupiter's Magnetosphere; Founding Chairman of the Department of Space Science, Rice University.
SpouseLorraine Barbara Dessler
AwardsMacelwane Medal; Fleming Medal, Arctowski Medal
Scientific career
FieldsMagnetospheric Physics, Heliophysics, Jovian Physics
InstitutionsLockheed Missiles and Space Company,
Rice University,
Lunar and Planetary Laboratory, University of Arizona
Texas A & M University
Thesis (1956)
Doctoral advisorWilliam M. Fairbank

Alexander J. Dessler (October 21, 1928 – April 9, 2023) was an American space scientist known for conceiving the term heliosphere and for founding the first Space Science Department in the United States.[1][2]

  1. ^ Dessler, Alexander J. "Biographical Sketch". AJD, CV. Texas A&M University Atmospheric Sciences. Retrieved 18 April 2020.
  2. ^ Dessler, A. J. (February 1967). "Solar wind and interplanetary magnetic field". Reviews of Geophysics. 5 (1): 1–41. Bibcode:1967RvGSP...5....1D. doi:10.1029/RG005i001p00001.