Pacific Trip Leader
Dr. Alex Filippenko
Alex Filippenko, PhD, is a Professor of Astronomy, and a Richard and Rhoda Goldman Distinguished Professor in the Physical Sciences, at the University of California, Berkeley. He is a leading authority on exploding stars, active galaxies, black holes, gamma-ray bursts, and the expansion of the universe. He shared the Gruber Cosmology Prize in 2007, was elected to the National Academy of Sciences in 2009, was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2015, shared the Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics in 2015, and received a Caltech Distinguished Alumni Award in 2017. He is one of the world's most highly cited astronomers. He has won numerous awards for his research, and his team's Nobel-worthy discovery of the accelerating expansion of the Universe was named the “Top Science Breakthrough of 1998” by the editors of Science magazine. An extraordinary educator, Dr. Filippenko has won the highest teaching awards at UC Berkeley and has been voted the "Best Professor" on campus a record nine times. In 2006, he was named the Carnegie/CASE National Professor of the Year among doctoral institutions, and in 2010 he won the ASP's Emmons Award for undergraduate teaching. He has produced five astronomy video courses with The Great Courses, co-authored an award-winning textbook, and appears in numerous TV documentaries including about 50 episodes of The Universe series. He has experienced 19 total solar eclipses, joining Wilderness Travel for 14 of them, and he will join us again in 2026 for his 21st eclipse!
Our TeamClient Testimonials
Alex MADE the trip! He was brilliant, engaging, and SO enthusiastic! His energy is unmatchable!
Barbara H.
Berkeley, CA
Total Solar Eclipse of 2016: From Bali to Borneo
Personable, knowledgeable, willing to give lots of time, I can't rate him high enough!
Jeanne S.
Mill Valley, CA
Total Solar Eclipse of 2012
Great teacher for those of all levels of interest, and a fun, personable person, with great enthusiasm for his subject.
Kathi S.
Portland, OR
Total Solar Eclipse of 2012
Entertaining, content-filled lectures!
Marysue V.
Columbia, MD
Total Solar Eclipse of 2012
Alex was great fun. His lectures on complex topics were understandable to those of who are not astrophysicists. He is a gifted teacher as well as an expert in his field. He prepped us 'eclipse virgins' very well for watching this amazing phenomenon.
Noreen and Tod L.
Santa Cruz, CA
Total Solar Eclipse of 2012
Alex's lectures were facinating. He can explain very complicated phenomenon so clearly! He's charming and very entertaining. EXCELLENT!
Patrice H.
Salt Lake City, UT
Total Solar Eclipse of 2012
By working with Alex, WT has secured for itself the gold standard in his field of expertise.
Renate C.
Oakland, CA
Total Solar Eclipse of 2016: From Bali to Borneo
Alex Filippenko is one of the main reasons why we come to the eclipse trips.
Rita K.
Los Altos, CA
Total Solar Eclipse of 2016: From Bali to Borneo
You don't need me to tell you that Alex is a one-of-a-kind travel companion on these Eclipse sailings. Without his presence, the Eclipse would just not be the same!
Robert C.
Oakland, CA
Total Solar Eclipse of 2016: From Bali to Borneo
Alex was superb! I learned so much from him. His enthusiasm and knowledge were terrific. He was very interactive with guests, even outside of the lecture hall. Always willing to answer questions.
Tacie A.
Vero Beach, FL
Total Solar Eclipse of 2019: The Isles of Polynesia
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Our Area Specialists know every detail about our adventures around the world. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!