Astronomical show creates buzz: ORF in science's firing line

ORF's new astronomical presentation is coming under increasing criticism. Scientific voices have become particularly loud: Sigrid Pilz, ORF board member for the Green Party, has called for an end to this format, while astronomer Florian Fristetter and other university professors have spoken out against the program in an open letter.

Scientists have criticized astrology as a pseudoscience with no cognitive value, and in particular condemned the use of a false quote from Einstein that was intended to legitimize astrology.

An open letter to @ORF-View “Look at the Stars”
Institute of Astrophysics professors write an open letter to ORF Program Director Stephanie Groys-Horwitz. @StephanieGroes https://t.co/4vI9DHSCO3

– University of Vienna (@univienna) October 4, 2024

Pure entertainment

In response, Stephanie Groys Horowitz, ORF's program director, defended the program as pure entertainment with no scientific pretension. She stressed that the incorrect quote had been removed from the broadcast and that ORF as a whole was fulfilling its commitment to communicating science. Formats such as Universum and ZIB Wissen are internationally recognized and make an important contribution to the transfer of knowledge, says Groys-Horwitz.

“Look at the Stars – Astro Show” premieres at 4:00 p.m #ORF2 and above #ORFON! Sasa Schwarzjerg and astrologer Lori Haberkorn on Astro Talk with Caroline Athanasiadis and Danielle Serafin. Curious what the stars predict for Libra? https://t.co/7rVyD2jfTf

— ORF (@ORF) September 28, 2024

Daily lifestyle

ORF also stressed that the format of the astronomical show was deliberately intended to entertain and that the constellations were part of many people's daily lifestyle. Despite the criticism, ORF sees its responsibility to take action against anti-science and points to the numerous scientific programs produced by the house.