Lucian M. Walkowicz

Lucian Walkowicz ( ; born 1979) is an American astronomer, artist, and activist. They are a lecturer at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, were based at the Adler Planetarium until 2022 and are noted for their research contributions in stellar magnetic activity and its impact on planetary suitability for extraterrestrial life. They are internationally recognized for their advocacy for conservation of dark night skies, and were named a 2011 National Academy of Sciences Kavli Fellow and a 2012 TED Senior Fellow. They began their tenure October 1, 2017, working on a project titled "Fear of a Green Planet: Inclusive Systems of Thought for Human Exploration of Mars". Their project aims to create an inclusive framework for human exploration of Mars, encompassing both cutting-edge research on Mars as a place of essential astrobiological significance, while weaving in lessons from the diverse histories of exploration on Earth.

On October 12, 2021, Walkowicz resigned their position on NASA's Astrophysics Advisory Committee over the Agency's terse response to concerns on the naming of the James Webb Space Telescope.

Walkowicz is co-founder of the JustSpace Alliance with Erika Nesvold to "advocate for a more inclusive and ethical future in space, and to harness visions of tomorrow for a more just and equitable world today".

They are co-director of The Discovery and Futures Lab at the SETI institute, and a Lecturer at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

Public appearances Walkowicz appeared in Werner Herzog's 2016 documentary Lo and Behold. Walkowicz appeared in National Geographic's series MARS. Walkowicz appeared in WGN Evening News's 2020 "Christmas Star". Walkowicz appeared in Discovery’s 2022 documentary "Last Exit: Space,” directed by Rudolph Herzog

Awards and honors Asteroid 205599 Walkowicz, discovered by the Sloan Digital Sky Survey in 2001, was named in their honor. The lawsuit alleges that the toy-maker stole Walkowicz's likeness for the Luciana Vega astronaut doll.

Personal life Walkowicz is non-binary, uses they/them pronouns, and uses the first name, Lucian.

Walkowicz is a movement artist, practicing aerial circus arts including Aerial Silks and Lyra. In 2019, they premiered a piece titled “40 Orbits,” at the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards at Carnegie Hall.