Sir Fred Hoyle FRS (24 June 1915 – 20 August 2001) was an English
astronomer noted primarily for the theory of
stellar nucleosynthesis, but also for his often controversial stances on other scientific matters—in particular his rejection of the "
Big Bang" theory, a term coined by him on BBC radio, and his promotion of
panspermia as the origin of life on Earth. While Hoyle was well-regarded for his works on nucleosynthesis and
science popularization, his career was also noted for the controversial positions he held on a wide range of scientific issues, often in direct opposition to the prevailing theories supported by the majority of the scientific community.