Dr Malcolm LeCompte is a planetary scientist and remote sensing specialist whose interdisciplinary research spans astrophysics, geophysics, and geoarchaeology. His work has significantly contributed to our understanding of planetary atmospheres and the potential impacts of cosmic events on Earth’s history.
Dr. LeCompte’s academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical and Astronautical Sciences from New York University in 1969. Following his undergraduate studies, he served as a Naval Flight Officer in the U.S. Navy from 1970 to 1974. After his active duty, he pursued further education, earning a second Bachelor of Science with honors in Physics from the University of Wyoming in 1978. He then attended the University of Colorado, Boulder, where he obtained a Master of Science in Astro-Geophysics in 1980 and a Ph.D. in Astrophysical, Planetary, and Atmospheric Sciences in 1984. His doctoral research focused on analyzing data from the Pioneer Venus Orbiter to study chemical and dynamic processes in Venus’s upper atmosphere.
Following his Ph.D., Dr. LeCompte undertook post-doctoral research at the Harvard College Observatory and the Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, investigating spacecraft-induced atmospheric phenomena. In 1986, he joined Aerodyne Research Inc. as a systems analyst, managing Department of Defense-sponsored aerospace research projects. In 1994, he co-founded AstroVision International, Inc., aiming to develop commercial satellite remote sensing capabilities.
In 2004, Dr. LeCompte transitioned to academia as an Associate Professor and Research Director at Elizabeth City State University’s Center of Excellence in Remote Sensing Education and Research. There, he focused on applying remote sensing technologies to various scientific inquiries, including archaeological investigations.
Dr. LeCompte is notably recognized for his involvement in the Younger Dryas Impact Hypothesis (YDIH), which proposes that a cosmic impact event around 12,800 years ago contributed to significant climatic changes and megafaunal extinctions. As a principal researcher and analyst for the YDIH, he has co-authored several articles examining evidence supporting this hypothesis, including the presence of microspherules and other impact markers in geological strata.
His interdisciplinary approach combines planetary science, remote sensing, and geoarchaeology, allowing for comprehensive analyses of both terrestrial and extraterrestrial phenomena. Dr. LeCompte’s work exemplifies the integration of diverse scientific disciplines to explore complex questions about Earth’s history and the broader cosmos.
