An astrophysicist from the University of Vienna against the offer of ORF astrology: “It goes against the educational mandate”

Literal open letter

Dear ORF Program Director Stephanie Gruys Horwitz,

We appreciate your commitment to programming that aims to bring viewers closer to the wonders of the universe. Unfortunately, a program about pseudo-astrology is not suitable for this purpose and, in our opinion, conflicts with the educational mission of the ORF Foundation. We astrophysicists, astronomers and cosmologists spend our days exploring the universe and strive every day to present scientific results and, in particular, the methods of scientific work to our students and the public. On the other hand, astrology does not use any scientific methodology at all. Your statement has no basis whatsoever and has no insightful value.

Giving space to astrology on an ORF legitimizes pseudoscience, especially when done using false quotes from real scientists (in the current case, a very false quote from Albert Einstein, who was certainly not a supporter of astrology). This is happening at a time and in a country where there is unhealthy and unfounded scientific skepticism by international standards (there are enough studies on this topic, for example Eurobarometer 2010 and 2018). ORF, a public broadcaster, plays a very special role. Its educational mission was to help create an understanding of the successes, benefits and working methods of science and research in Austria. Astrology shows do the exact opposite…

Although astrologers like to express themselves overly confidently, their predictions are no better than pure chance (see https://www.clearerthinking.org/post/can-astrologers-use-astrological-charts-to-understand-people-s-character-and-lives-our-new-study-pu). It contradicts all physical insight and knowledge.

The universe is endlessly fascinating, and we would be happy to contribute to programs that showcase its true wonders. To quote another sentence that Albert Einstein never uttered: “The universe is a beautiful, mysterious place – let’s not invalidate that by claiming that Venus has an opinion about our love lives.” At the same time, learning about the distant universe and our place in it is much more exciting and entertaining than the implausible claims of baseless astrology.

Best regards

University-Prof. Dr. João Alves, former Dean of the Faculty of Earth Sciences, Geography and Astronomy

University-Prof. Dr. Manuel Goodale

Partner Professor Dr. Álvaro Hacar, Deputy Director of the Institute of Astrophysics

University-Prof. Dr. Oliver Hahn, Deputy Director of the Institute of Astrophysics

University-Prof. M. doctor. Gerhard Hensler, former Dean of the Faculty of Earth Sciences, Geography and Astronomy

University-Prof. Dr. Franz Kirschbaum, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Earth Sciences, Geography and Astronomy

Donkey-Professor. doctor. Kristina Kislyakova

University-Prof. Dr. Glenn van de Ven, President of the Institute of Astrophysics

or. University-Prof. Dr. Werner Zeilinger

University-Prof. Dr. Bodo Ziegler

(Institute of Astrophysics, Faculty of Earth Sciences, Geography and Astronomy, University of Vienna)