6 March 2026 – Wits University

Wits University has paid tribute to the esteemed science communicator, Professor Arthur Bleksley, through a memorial lecture presented by astronomer Professor David Block in the Wits Anglo American Digital Dome. Professor Bleksley, known for his impactful radio programmes, such as Test the Team, significantly contributed to making science accessible to the public.

The lecture, titled The Poetry of Light: JWST and the Dawn After Darkness, delved into the transformative role of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) in enhancing astronomers’ understanding of the early universe. Professor Bleksley was a distinguished professor in applied mathematics at Wits University and was instrumental in introducing astronomy to the South African populace. He played a pivotal role in establishing the Johannesburg Planetarium, where he inspired countless students and visitors with the marvels of the cosmos.

Reflecting on Bleksley’s commitment to public science engagement, Wits Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Zeblon Vilakazi, opened the event by emphasising that scientific knowledge should be accessible to all, not merely confined to academic institutions. He stated, “Science is not complete until it is shared.”

Professor Vilakazi described the Wits Anglo American Digital Dome as a source of curiosity and inspiration for generations of South Africans. He fondly recalled his own childhood visits to the planetarium during the early 1980s, noting, “I remember coming here as a 12-year-old. It set my gaze and my imagination. Before equations, before laboratories, there is wonder.”

In his remarks, Vilakazi underscored the pressing issue of misinformation in contemporary society and the necessity of defending evidence-based knowledge. He called for a renewed commitment to respect expert opinions and to invest in laboratories and observatories that explore the universe’s mysteries.

Professor Block’s lecture highlighted the JWST, launched in 2021, which employs 18 gold-plated mirrors and infrared technology to detect faint light from distant galaxies. Block elaborated on how the telescope enables scientists to observe galaxies that formed shortly after the Big Bang, more than 13 billion years ago. “Each photon carries the history of stars, the chemistry of nebulae, and the imprint of an expanding universe,” he explained.

Block expressed the thrill of witnessing light that has traversed the cosmos for billions of years before arriving on Earth. He remarked, “I never thought I would live to see photons from galaxies so close to the dawn of the universe.” The lecture also featured his extensive research on cosmic dust and how dust clouds influence the formation of stars and galaxies.

Throughout his presentation, Block paid homage to Bleksley’s fervour for education and his dedication to disseminating scientific knowledge through various platforms, including radio programmes and public lectures. He noted that Bleksley believed education should ignite curiosity rather than merely convey information. Quoting the ancient Greek philosopher Plutarch, Block stated, “The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be lit.”

This memorial lecture served not only as a celebration of Professor Bleksley’s enduring legacy but also as a reminder of the critical role universities play in inspiring future generations of scientists.