Richard Berendzen (September 6, 1938 – November 3, 2022) was an American astronomer, educator, and science communicator. He was known for his work in astronomy and for popularizing science, especially space science and astronomy, to the general public. Berendzen has served in prominent academic positions, including as a professor of physics and astronomy, and he held the position of president at American University in Washington, D.C.
Berendzen’s contributions to the field of astronomy and science education are notable. He has authored and co-authored several books aimed at making the concepts of space and the universe more accessible to non-scientists. His works often explore the wonders of the cosmos, the nature of astronomical phenomena, and the importance of scientific understanding in everyday life.
One of his well-known works is “Pulp Physics: Astronomy: Humankind’s Quest to Understand the Universe,” which presents complex astronomical concepts in an engaging and understandable manner. Berendzen has also been involved in various educational initiatives and public speaking engagements, where he shares his passion for science and astronomy.
In 1990, he resigned from his presidency following a scandal involving obscene phone calls. After psychiatric treatment, he publicly addressed his childhood experiences of sexual abuse. He later returned to American University as a professor and became an advocate for survivors of childhood sexual abuse.
Berendzen passed away in 2022 at the age of 84 due to respiratory ailment complications.