Spanish Astrophysics Pioneer Francisco Sánchez Dies at 89

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has expressed his sadness at the passing of astrophysicist Francisco Sánchez, calling him the scientist who "turned the skies of the Canary Islands into a unique balcony to discover the stars."

Francisco Sánchez, who passed away in Madrid on Tuesday at the age of 89, was Spain's first professor of Astrophysics. He was instrumental in establishing two of the world's leading astronomical observatories, the Roque de los Muchachos (La Palma) and Teide (Tenerife) observatories. He also founded the Institute of Astrophysics of the Canary Islands (IAC).

In a message shared on X, alongside the Ministry of Science's announcement of the death, Prime Minister Sánchez acknowledged his legacy as a "pioneer of Spanish astrophysics."

"He transformed the Canary Islands' skies into a unique vantage point for discovering stars. His legacy is the skies of those islands he loved so much: the best place on Earth to explore the universe," the Prime Minister stated.

Thanks to Francisco Sánchez's scientific drive, Spain boasts the Gran Telescopio de Canarias, the world's most powerful optical telescope. Furthermore, the Roque de los Muchachos observatory, which he helped create, is in the running to host the future Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT), originally planned for Hawaii.

Ángel Víctor Torres, the Minister of Territorial Policy and Democratic Memory, who is from the Canary Islands, emphasized Sánchez's passion for science and his determination to make the Canary Islands a "global leader in astrophysics."

Torres noted on X that Francisco Sánchez had the vision to recognize the Canary Islands as "the perfect place for observing the universe."

"If the islands are a world reference in astrophysics, it is largely thanks to his determination. My condolences to his family, friends, and the scientific community," he concluded.

Rosa Dávila, president of the Tenerife Island Council, also expressed her sorrow at the death of Professor Francisco Sánchez Martínez. She highlighted his importance to the islands, as his work provided "an extraordinary boost to science and astrophysical research in Spain and worldwide."

"Francisco Sánchez valued the sky of the Canary Islands, especially that of Tenerife. He was the creator and founder of the Institute of Astrophysics of the Canary Islands, one of the people who gave an extraordinary boost to science and astrophysical research in our country and in the world," said Dávila.

The island president offered her condolences to family, friends, and "all those who today are witnesses of his legacy," adding that "probably, without his figure, the IAC would not exist."

"He was a promoter of the different Observatories in the Canary Islands, and until the last moment he stood out for passing the baton to other researchers in the field, as well as offering a boost to research in our centers, today world leaders," she said.